Unpleasant musty or moldy smell when the air conditioner starts

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

• Step 1 – Clean filters: Wash filters thoroughly and let them dry.
• Step 2 – Clean coil and drain pan: Use a foaming coil cleaner safe for AC units. Apply to the evaporator coil and allow it to drain into the pan. Wipe the pan with a cloth and mild disinfectant.
• Step 3 – Run FAN mode: After cleaning, run the unit in FAN-only mode for 30–60 minutes to dry the coil.
• Step 4 – Regular maintenance: Clean filters monthly and use the self-clean function if your TCL model has one.

Warning: Do not spray water directly into electrical components or use bleach on aluminum coils.