Sharp
Biological Growth on Indoor Coil and Drain Pan
Indoor unit produces a musty or moldy smell when starting.
Advertisements
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.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Easy
2/5
Required Part
Indoor Evaporator Coil and Drain Pan
Check Price on Amazon
We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Advertisements