Lennox Biological Growth on Evaporator Coil or Drain Pan

Lennox air conditioner produces a musty or moldy smell when it starts, especially after being off for a while.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

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

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn off power to the indoor unit. Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning moldy components.

  • 1. Inspect coil and pan: Remove access panel and look for slime, mold, or debris on the coil and in the pan.
  • 2. Clean coil: Use a non-acidic foaming coil cleaner approved for indoor use. Follow label directions and rinse if required.
  • 3. Disinfect drain pan: Clean the pan with a mild bleach solution (if compatible with materials) or an HVAC-approved biocide. Rinse thoroughly.
  • 4. Improve filtration and humidity control: Install a quality Lennox filter and consider adding a Lennox whole-home dehumidifier if humidity is consistently high.

Note: Avoid using strong fragrances or unapproved chemicals inside the air handler; they can damage components and irritate occupants.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Lennox Evaporator Coil
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