Goodman Biological Growth on Evaporator Coil or in Drain Pan

Goodman air conditioner emits a musty or moldy smell when running

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Possible Causes

Dirty evaporator coil in Goodman air handler, Standing water in drain pan, Poor filtration allowing dust to accumulate on coil, High indoor humidity and continuous fan operation

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power to the indoor unit before opening panels. Wear gloves and a mask if you are sensitive to mold.

Steps to reduce odor:

  • 1. Replace filters: Install new, properly sized filters in the Goodman air handler or furnace.
  • 2. Inspect coil and pan: Remove the coil access panel and visually inspect the evaporator coil and drain pan for slime or mold.
  • 3. Clean drain pan: Use a mild detergent solution or coil cleaner approved for indoor use to clean the pan. Rinse carefully without spilling water into the furnace or electrical components.
  • 4. Treat drain line: Pour a cup of white vinegar into the condensate drain to inhibit algae growth.
  • 5. Adjust fan mode: Set the thermostat fan to AUTO instead of ON to allow the coil to dry between cycles, reducing mold growth.

When to call a professional: For heavy biological growth, have a technician perform a thorough coil cleaning and evaluate for UV lights or improved filtration.

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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Evaporator coil and condensate drain pan
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