Koldfront Biological Growth in Evaporator and Drain Pan

Musty or moldy odor from the Koldfront air conditioner when it starts.

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Possible Causes

Dirty evaporator coil, standing water in drain pan, infrequent filter cleaning, high humidity promoting mold growth

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the unit. Wear gloves and a mask if you are sensitive to mold.

Steps to remove odors:

  • 1. Clean filter: Wash the air filter thoroughly and let it dry.
  • 2. Access evaporator: Remove the front cover to expose the indoor coil and drain pan.
  • 3. Clean coil: Use a foaming evaporator coil cleaner approved for AC units. Follow label directions and avoid oversaturating electrical parts.
  • 4. Clean drain pan: Wipe out the condensate pan with a mild bleach solution (or coil cleaner) to kill mold and mildew. Rinse and dry.
  • 5. Improve drainage: Ensure the drain channel and hole are clear so water does not stagnate.
  • 6. 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

Required Part

Evaporator Coil and Condensate Pan
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