Coleman Biological Growth on Evaporator Coil or Drain Pan

Coleman air conditioner emits a musty or moldy odor when it starts.

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Possible Causes

Dirty evaporator coil, Standing water in condensate pan, Poor filtration allowing organic debris into coil, Rarely run system causing stagnant moisture

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

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

  • Inspect coil and pan: Remove the access panel and examine the evaporator coil and drain pan for slime, mold, or debris.
  • Clean coil: Use a no-rinse evaporator coil cleaner approved for HVAC use. Follow label directions.
  • Disinfect pan: Clean the drain pan with a mild bleach solution (if compatible with materials) or an HVAC-approved pan treatment. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Improve filtration: Install a higher-quality filter compatible with your Coleman air handler to reduce debris entering the coil.
  • Run fan: After cleaning, run the fan-only mode for 30–60 minutes to help dry the coil and pan.

Note: Consider UV lights designed for HVAC coils if odors persist and local codes allow.

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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Evaporator Coil
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