Sharp Biological Growth on Indoor Coil and Drain Pan

Indoor unit produces a musty or moldy smell when starting.

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Possible Causes

Dirty evaporator coil, Standing water in drain pan, Infrequent filter cleaning, High humidity and long off periods

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off and unplug or isolate power before cleaning. Use only cleaners approved for HVAC use.

  • Clean filters: Wash filters thoroughly and dry before reinstalling.
  • Coil cleaning: Use a foaming evaporator coil cleaner suitable for split AC units. Apply to the coil and allow it to drain into the pan and out the drain line.
  • Drain pan sanitation: If accessible, wipe the drain pan with a mild disinfectant solution. Ensure the drain line is clear so water does not stagnate.
  • Dry mode use: After cooling, run the unit in DRY or FAN mode for 15–30 minutes to dry the coil and reduce mold growth.
  • Persistent odor: If smell persists, consider professional deep cleaning of the indoor unit.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Indoor Evaporator Coil and Drain Pan
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