Westinghouse Biological Growth on Evaporator Coil and Drain Pan

Unit emits a musty or moldy smell when it starts.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Dirty evaporator coil, standing water in drain pan, infrequent filter cleaning, high humidity and poor drainage

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn off power before cleaning. Wear gloves and a mask if sensitive to mold.

Steps:

  • Clean filter: Remove and wash the air filter thoroughly.
  • Clean evaporator coil: Access the coil and apply a no-rinse foaming coil cleaner designed for AC units. Allow it to work per instructions.
  • Clean drain pan: Wipe out slime and debris from the condensate pan and flush with a mild bleach solution (if compatible with materials) to kill mold.
  • Improve drainage: Ensure the drain line is clear so water does not stand in the pan.
  • Run fan-only mode: After cleaning, run the unit in FAN mode for 30–60 minutes to help dry the coil and pan.
Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Evaporator Coil Cleaning Foam
Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Advertisements