Musty Smell from AC Vents? It Could Be Mold (And Here’s How to Fix It)

Musty Smell from AC Vents

A strange or musty smell coming out of your air conditioner isn’t something you should ignore. This smell may be due to mold inside the AC. Professional AC mold removal is the best way to ensure the air in your home is clean and safe for your family to breathe. The HVAC experts at Hoover are ready to help. 

Is There Mold in My AC? Common Signs

Air conditioners are the perfect environment for mold to grow. Organic matter can build up in the filter, giving it the damp material it needs to flourish. Here are two of the most common signs of mold inside your air conditioner.

A moldy smell in the air

Most mold has a musty smell that might remind you of old books or wet dirt. This AC mold smell may only be noticeable when the AC is running, but it can fill the entire house if you have a central AC unit. 

Visible mold growth

You may see mold growing on or around your air conditioner or in other areas of your home. Mold can be white, black, yellow, green, or brown in color and hairy, fluffy, smooth, or flat in texture.

Why AC Mold Is a Problem You Shouldn’t Ignore

Several different types of mold can grow inside Troy, Michigan homes. Mold is a living organism, spread through microscopic spores that float through the air until they find somewhere moist to grow. 

Mold can take a few days to start growing, so the faster you take care of the problem, the less likely it is to grow and send mycotoxins into the air. AC mold health effects may include breathing problems and worsening allergies. You may notice stronger asthma reactions, stuffy nose, or red and itchy eyes. In serious cases, you may develop shortness of breath and fever. 

For these reasons, ignoring mold in your air conditioner is never a good idea. Instead, call a professional to safely remove the mold so you can relax knowing your family is breathing clean air. 

DIY AC Mold Cleaning Vs. Calling a Professional

You may want to scrub mold from your walls or under your sink yourself, but call an HVAC professional to address mold issues inside your air conditioner. They have the expertise and the proper tools to safely disassemble the unit, and they’ll know exactly where to look. 

Professionals can quickly identify black mold in your AC, even if you have a central air system with ductwork. Using safe cleaning tools and family-safe solutions, they’ll have your cool air mold-free in a matter of hours. 

Michigan is one of the most humid states in the US, so mold is likely to return if you don’t keep up with maintenance. Schedule routine cleaning and maintenance calls with Hoover and have our certified HVAC experts handle everything for you. 

What to Expect from Professional AC Mold Removal

Hoover technicians are experts in cleaning all air conditioner components. We’ll get the job done right the first time. If your air conditioner smells strange, give us a call and we’ll check it out. Our team is knowledgeable, licensed, and trained in the latest tools, equipment, and techniques, including AC cleaning.

Next Steps If You Suspect AC Mold

If you suspect your air conditioner has mold inside, call Hoover! We offer personalized air conditioning services and can get your AC back to peak condition in no time. 

We’ll arrive quickly to assess your needs and make all necessary repairs. In the meantime, we recommend cleaning the reusable filters and shutting the AC off to avoid spreading mold spores throughout your home.

Contact Hoover Today for AC Mold Removal

Call Hoover for your AC repair to improve air quality, enhance your AC’s cooling performance, and extend the life of your system. It’s easy to schedule service with our team — just call (586) 685-7857 or use our online calendar to book in. 

If you’ve been wondering if it’s time to replace your air conditioner, we’ll discuss your options with you. Sometimes, moldy ACs happen because of leaks or other issues. A replacement may save you money in the long run.

We offer free estimates on new HVAC systems. Learn about our team and what we can do for Southeast Michigan residential clients. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How did mold get in my AC in the first place?

Mold can happen to anyone. It’s found in almost any environment, and the spores thrive in damp places. Air conditioners are a prime environment for mold to flourish. 

How do I prevent mold from growing in my AC again?

To prevent mold from returning in your air conditioner, replace the filters and empty the water collection reservoir regularly. You may want to invest in a new AC with built-in humidity control. 

Will cleaning my AC get rid of all the mold, or are there parts that need replacing?

It depends on how long the mold has been present and where it’s located in the air conditioner. Moldy filters, for example, will likely need to be replaced, but other parts may be fine after cleaning. 

Can fixing this moldy AC also help with my allergies?

Allergies can be made worse by mold, so having the AC professionally cleaned could help relieve your symptoms.

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