Aprilaire Biological Growth in Water or Condensate System

Musty or moldy odor coming from Aprilaire dehumidifier or humidifier

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Possible Causes

Standing water in drain pan, Slime or algae in drain line, Dirty water panel, Dirty evaporator coil, High organic dust load

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off and unplug the unit before cleaning. Use gloves and eye protection when using cleaners.

  • Clean drain pan and line: Remove panels to access the condensate or humidifier drain pan. Clean with a mixture of water and mild detergent or a coil cleaner. Flush the drain line with a diluted bleach solution (1:10 bleach to water) and rinse thoroughly.
  • Replace water panel: For humidifiers, replace the Aprilaire water panel if it is discolored or slimy.
  • Clean coils: Use a non-acidic coil cleaner on the evaporator and condenser coils to remove organic buildup.
  • Improve filtration: Ensure upstream HVAC filters are clean and of adequate MERV rating to reduce dust entering the unit.
  • Run unit: After cleaning, run the unit to dry internal surfaces and reduce residual odor.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Aprilaire Water Panel (Evaporative Pad)
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