Rheem
Biological Growth on Evaporator Coil or Drain Pan
Rheem air conditioner emits a musty or moldy odor when starting up.
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Possible Causes
Dirty evaporator coil, Standing water in drain pan, Poor filtration allowing organic material to accumulate, High humidity and infrequent use
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power before cleaning. Wear gloves and a mask if sensitive to mold.
- Clean filters: Wash or replace filters to improve filtration.
- Clean coil and pan: Access the evaporator coil and drain pan. Use an EPA-registered coil cleaner and disinfectant safe for HVAC use. Follow label directions.
- Check drainage: Ensure the condensate drain is clear so water does not stand in the pan.
- Run fan: After cleaning, run the fan-only mode for 30–60 minutes to help dry the coil and pan.
Warning: Do not use household bleach directly on coils unless approved; it can damage metals and create fumes.
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Repair Difficulty
Easy
2/5
Required Part
Rheem Indoor Evaporator Coil / Condensate Drain Pan
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