Friedrich Biological Growth in Evaporator and Drain Pan

Musty or moldy odor when the unit starts

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Possible Causes

Dirty evaporator coil, standing water in drain pan, clogged drain, infrequent filter cleaning, high humidity

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Unplug the unit before cleaning. Wear gloves and eye protection when using cleaners.

Steps:

  • Clean filter: Wash the air filter with soap and water and let it dry.
  • Clean evaporator coil: Remove the front cover and apply a foaming, no-rinse coil cleaner approved for aluminum fins. Allow it to work per instructions.
  • Clean drain pan: Wipe out the condensate pan with a mild bleach solution (1:10 bleach to water) to kill mold and mildew. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Clear drain: Ensure the drain holes or tube are open so water does not stagnate.
  • Run fan-only: After cleaning, run the unit in FAN ONLY mode for 30–60 minutes to help dry the coil and pan.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5
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