Vaillant Biological Growth on Evaporator and Drain Pan

Indoor unit emits unpleasant musty or moldy odor 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: Turn off power before cleaning. Wear gloves and eye protection when using coil cleaners.

  • Clean filters: Remove and wash filters thoroughly with mild detergent. Dry completely.
  • Clean evaporator coil: Open the front panel and use a non‑rinse foaming coil cleaner approved for AC units. Apply to the coil and allow it to work as directed.
  • Clean drain pan: Wipe the drain pan with a cloth and mild disinfectant to remove slime and mold.
  • Run in fan mode: After cleaning, run the unit in FAN‑only mode for 30–60 minutes to dry the coil and reduce odor.
  • Regular maintenance: Repeat cleaning every few months, especially in humid climates.
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Repair Difficulty

Very Easy 1/5

Required Part

Indoor Evaporator Coil
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