Indoor unit emits unpleasant musty or moldy odor when starting

Safety first: Turn off and unplug the unit before cleaning. Wear gloves and a mask if sensitive to mold.

• Clean filters: Wash filters with warm soapy water and dry completely.
• Disinfect coil and pan: Use an AC-specific coil cleaner or a mild disinfectant spray on the evaporator fins and drain pan. Avoid soaking electronics.
• Run in fan mode: After cleaning, run the unit in FAN-ONLY mode for 30–60 minutes to dry the coil.
• Regular maintenance: Clean filters monthly and schedule professional deep cleaning annually in humid climates.

Persistent strong odors may require professional chemical cleaning of the indoor unit.