Your AC May Need A New Evaporator Coil And UV Light To Get Foul Odors Under Control
Posted on: 13 February 2020
If you've been smelling a musty odor in your home and you can't track down the source, it's time to consider your HVAC system. Next time your AC turns on, notice if the musty odor gets stronger. If it does, your air conditioner may have dirty sock syndrome. This condition is caused by a buildup of dirt, bacteria, or mold on the evaporator coils. Here are the repairs your AC may need to get rid of the odor for good.
Dry Out Excess Moisture
The evaporator coils get dirty when there is too much moisture in the HVAC and dust gets in the system. The moisture might be coming from a leaky condensation pan or blocked drain line that causes water to back up in the system. This condition often happens when the weather transitions from winter to summer and the HVAC doesn't run as often so it can dry out. The air conditioning repair technician may flush out the condensation line and look for other causes of moisture and take steps to correct them.
Clean The Air Handler And Coils
Next, dust has to be removed from the system so mold and bacteria don't return. The technician may use a vacuum to remove as much dust as possible, but it may be necessary to remove the evaporator coils and scrub them to get rid of mold. The coils may also be sprayed with sanitizer that kills mold and bacteria.
Replace The Evaporator Coils
Your air conditioning repair professional may even recommend replacing the evaporator coils so the problem doesn't return. If your AC is still under warranty, the coils may be covered, and in that case, changing them could be the best way to fix the problem and reduce the risk of bad odors developing again.
Install A UV Light
Another option your technician might suggest is to install a UV light or another type of air-purifying device on the HVAC, such as a better filter. A finer filter can do a better job of trapping microbes and the UV light will kill microbes that get inside the air handler. This reduces the risk that they'll land on the evaporator coils and flourish until they create a foul odor again.
A stinky house is unpleasant and embarrassing. It may even concern you for health reasons, so talk to your AC repair technician about finding a permanent solution for your musty air conditioner. A foul-smelling AC doesn't always mean there's mold in your home, but even if there is no mold, you don't want to put up with an AC that makes your home smell bad. Contact companies like Baton Rouge Air Conditioning & Heating for professional help.
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