Why Does Your Air Conditioner Smell Musty?

A musty smell from your air conditioner can be an unpleasant surprise and a sign of potential problems. If you’re experiencing this issue and reside in the area, it’s time to call the experts at Lane Heating & Air for air conditioner service in Lake City, FL.

At Lane Heating & Air, we understand the importance of having a clean and fresh-smelling air conditioning system. Our team of certified technicians have the adequate skill and knowledge to navigate and repair any issue with your air conditioner, including musty smells. In this blog, we’ll discuss why your air conditioner may be smelling musty and why you should choose our team for AC repair in Lake City, FL. Contact us, and our team will get back to you promptly.

What Causes a Musty Smell from Your Air Conditioner?

  • Mold and Mildew: This can significantly contribute to a musty smell in your air conditioner. A buildup of moisture in the unit provides an adequate environment for mold and mildew to grow, leading to an unpleasant musty odor. This can be prevented through regular maintenance and cleaning the unit to ensure proper ventilation and moisture removal. Contact us immediately if you need air conditioner service in Lake City, FL.
  • Dirty Air Filters: Dirty air filters can restrict air flow, leading to a musty smell in your air conditioner. When air filters are clogged with dirt, debris, and pollutants, they can’t effectively remove these particles from the air, leading to a buildup and musty odor. Regular replacement of air filters and routine cleaning can help prevent this issue.
  • Clogged Drain Pans: Clogged drain pans can also cause a musty smell in your air conditioner. When water accumulates in the pans, it provides a suitable environment for mold and mildew to grow, leading to an unpleasant musty odor. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the drain pans can help prevent this issue and ensure proper water drainage. We also provide AC repair in Lake City, FL, so you can get your AC unit free from musty odor.
  • Ductwork Issues: Leaks or cracks in your ductwork can also cause a musty smell in your air conditioner. Air leaks through these cracks or gaps can bring in moisture and create a humid environment in the ducts, leading to mold, mildew growth, and a musty odor. Regular inspections and maintenance of the ductwork can help prevent this issue and maintain a healthy and fresh air conditioning system.

The Importance Of Regular Maintenance:

Regular maintenance is vital for the longevity and efficiency of your air conditioner. You can avoid potential issues like musty smells and keep your air conditioning system running smoothly by scheduling regular maintenance appointments. During a maintenance appointment, our technicians will:

  • Clean the air filters
  • Inspect the drain pans for clogs
  • Check for mold and mildew growth
  • Inspect the ductwork for leaks and cracks
  • Check for refrigerant leaks

Call Us Today

A musty smell from your air conditioner can signal potential problems, but it can be fixed quickly and affordably with the proper AC repair in Lake City, FL. Call us today if you’re experiencing a musty smell or require air conditioner service. Our team of expert technicians are ready to assist you every step of the way. Remember us for AC repair and service in Lake City, FL, and surrounding areas.

How Does an Air Conditioner Work Step By Step?

While sitting comfortably in the cool air of an AC unit during summer, you may wonder how an AC blows the cool air. Where does the indoor heat go? How does an air conditioning unit work? The step by step process of an AC operation below will answer all your queries.

The step-by-step working process of an AC unit

The AC unit blows cool air and removes indoor heat and humidity. Understand how your AC works through the four simplified steps.

  • The Coil Takes The Heat 

The blower draws in the warm air from indoors into the air vents. Then this warm air reaches the cool evaporator coils, the coils absorb the heat and blow the cool air indoors. The absorbed heat raises the temperature of the refrigerant and converts it into a gaseous state.

  •  AC Compresses The Refrigerant 

The high-pressure refrigerant gas travels to the compressor. It pressurizes the refrigerant between two objects and raises the temperature. This high-pressure gas then reaches the condenser located in the outdoor unit.

  • Refrigerant Expels The Heat 

The outdoor air absorbs the heat from the vaporized warm refrigerant gas in the condenser. This process lowers down the temperature of the refrigerant. When the temperature decreases, the refrigerant changes back to the liquid state.

  • The Cycle Repeats 

This cold refrigerant in the liquid state travels back from the outdoor condenser to the indoor evaporator coil. It repeats the same cooling process until the temperature reaches the required cooling. Once the indoor temperature meets your expectation, the thermostat shuts off the cooling process until the space requires cooling again.

Things That Can Obstruct Air Conditioning Operation

The AC working process is simple, but a few maintenance mistakes can obstruct this process and result in AC repairs in Lake City, FL. The problems that can affect the AC operation are:

  • Unclean air filter and condenser coil 
  • Blockage in drain lines 
  • Broken compressor and ductwork
  • Loose metal parts and wires 
  • Insufficient refrigerant and oil 
  • Dead thermostat and motor 
  • Inaccurate thermostat settings
  • Inappropriate AC location

Step To Make AC Operation Smooth And Effective

You can prevent the listed issues if you follow some preventive maintenance tips.

  • Change or wash the air filter every 2-3 months
  • Flush the drain line with chlorine bleach when it gets dirty
  • Schedule spring and fall tune-up for AC maintenance
  • Install a programmable thermostat and set the right temperature
  • Put curtains on windows and place draft stoppers on doors
  • Schedule AC duct cleaning service every 3-5 years

Air Conditioner Service in Lake City, FL

An AC unit maintained with annual air conditioner service in Lake City, FL, provides great comfort for 10 to 15 or even 20 years. Out of all the AC maintenance tips, scheduling an annual tune-up and replacing air filters are the most essential and beneficial.

Trust Lane Heating & Air, LLC provides 24/7 HVAC maintenance and AC repair in Lake City, FL. Our licensed, pre-screened and insured technicians will improve your AC performance promptly by scheduling a service with us.

3 Simple Steps For Air Conditioning Repair

Air conditioner repair in Lake City, FL, could cost a lot of money if minor repairs are not done on time. However, you can try troubleshooting your system before calling a professional. Many times, the issue may be easy to solve.

3 Simple AC repair Tips

Before calling an expert for AC repair in Lake City, FL, homeowners are advised to try these suggestions. Naturally, some aspects of your air conditioner repair will require an experienced and skilled service provider. Professionals must handle things like adding freon or electrical repairs. Some simple tips are:

Thermostat Calibration Issue

If you’re still using the dial-type thermostats of the past and they’re not properly calibrated, it could mean that your air conditioner doesn’t receive proper commands from your control unit. This issue is relatively simple to fix by replacing or calibrating your thermostats. 

If you’ve got new programmable thermostats, they may be programmed incorrectly. If you are using the original manual, review the instructions to ensure that your thermostat settings are correct.

Replace Or Clean The Air Filter

The air filter defines the amount of air that enters the home. If your air conditioner isn’t cooling as well as it did in the past, the filter could be dirty and blocked. This blockage affects the flow of air and can make the airflow freeze up, affecting your system’s cooling performance.

This problem can be avoided by regular cleaning or replacement of filters. There is no need for specialized expertise to set up new filters. You can perform this yourself. Make sure the filters you’re about to purchase are top-quality, durable, and long-lasting.

Our AC repair experts in Lake City, FL, generally recommend renewal of the air filter every 60-90 days. The AC unit will cool faster and stop dirt and other allergens from contaminating your air.

Cleaning The Evaporator Coil

The evaporator of the central air system is situated just above the furnace in the plenum. The evaporator might remain hidden; however, it should be cleaned yearly. If the plenum is a sealed metal sheet, Do not try to unzip it. If the plenum is wrapped in foil insulation in its front, you can clean the evaporator. 

Take off the foil-wrapped insulation in front of the plenum. Be careful when removing the tape, as you’ll need to replace it in the future. The insulation behind it is an access plate secured by several screws. Take the screws off and remove the plate. Clean the underside of the evaporator unit using a stiff brush. 

Clean the tray under the evaporator unit. The tray is used to remove condensation from the evaporator. Set the unit back up, reinstall the plate and restart the air conditioner.

If you’re not in a position to tackle it on your own or have tried the troubleshooting or repair procedures but have not been able to fix your AC, contact the professionals at Lane Heating and Air. Call us at (386) 466-7514 or email us to book an appointment for air conditioner repair in Lake City, FL.