Panasonic Biological Growth on Indoor Coil and Drain Pan

Indoor unit emits a musty or moldy smell when starting up.

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Possible Causes

Dirty evaporator coil, Standing water in drain pan, Long periods of non-use in humid conditions, Clogged drain line

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power before cleaning. Wear gloves and eye protection when using cleaners.

Steps:

  • 1. Clean filters: Wash filters thoroughly and dry.
  • 2. Use coil cleaner: Apply a no-rinse foaming coil cleaner approved for AC units to the indoor coil fins. Follow product instructions.
  • 3. Disinfect drain pan: Gently clean the drain pan with a diluted household disinfectant, avoiding the PCB.
  • 4. Run "fan only" mode: After cleaning, run the unit in fan-only mode for 30–60 minutes to dry the coil and pan.

For severe odor or visible mold deep inside the unit, professional disassembly and chemical cleaning may be required.

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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5
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