Carrier Biological Growth on Evaporator Coil and Drain Pan

Carrier air conditioner emits a musty or moldy smell when starting

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Possible Causes

Dirty evaporator coil, Standing water in drain pan, Poor filtration, High indoor humidity

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn OFF power before cleaning. Wear gloves and a mask if sensitive to mold.

  • Step 1 – Clean filter: Wash or replace the indoor filter.
  • Step 2 – Clean coil and pan: Access the evaporator coil and use a no-rinse coil cleaner designed for indoor coils. Spray the coil and drain pan thoroughly.
  • Step 3 – Clear drain: Ensure the condensate drain is clear so water does not stagnate.
  • Step 4 – Run fan mode: After cleaning, run the unit in FAN-ONLY mode for 30–60 minutes to help dry the coil.
  • Step 5 – Ongoing maintenance: Consider using manufacturer-approved pan tablets to reduce algae growth.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Evaporator Coil
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