Westinghouse
Biological Growth on Evaporator Coil and Drain Pan
Unit emits a musty or moldy smell when it starts.
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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.
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Repair Difficulty
Easy
2/5
Required Part
Evaporator Coil Cleaning Foam
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