Did you notice a stench coming from your air conditioner that smells suspiciously like mould? Well, there is good and bad news.

The bad news is, if you notice a mouldy or musty smell, it most likely indicates the growth of mould in your air circulation system. The good news is, you are far from the only one facing this issue.  

Mould growth is one of the most common problems faced by homeowners in Melbourne. Mould can grow anywhere within the system, but the most likely location is the air conditioner evaporator coils.

Why the evaporator coils?

As the evaporator coils are located within the HVAC system, it is subject to the dirt and debris that is blown through it as well. When the thermostat is turned down, the evaporator coils jump into action; coolant runs through the coils and absorbs heat from the warm air going through the system. 

This means two things, the air reaching the coils are warm, and the coils are cold because of the coolants running through it. Thus, condensation on the outside of the evaporator coils occurs and any dirt and debris will stick to the water. This water then builds up until it drips down to the drain pan. 

The pan has a small drain pipe that will lead to a drain area (it could be outside the home, into the crawl space or to the condensate pump). As a homeowner, it is vital to know where this drain area is so that you can check for a clog or blockage. Buildup of this water containing all sorts of nasty germs and bacteria can lead to mould growth. 

What can I do to prevent mould and its musty smell?

Prevention is always better than cure. The most important step is to make sure to check the drain areas of your HVAC system. If water is dripping from these areas and accumulating nearby, it could be a sign of drain blockage. For most homeowners, this is more than enough to prevent mould growth.

However, sometimes the drain pan itself may be the culprit. Accumulation of water at either side of the drain pan may be caused by an uneven drain pan. This leaning many occur because as time goes on, the foundation may shift ever so slightly and affect the orientation of the drain pan. Again, this is a perfect place for mould to call home; it is dark, moist and abundant with dirt. Growth inside the air system is bad enough, but mould takes it to another level as mould spores can travel through the system and end up in your lungs.

Hit us up to get the musty smell out of your house

If you are already noticing mould growth in your household, the solution to your mould growth problems is quick and easy. Mould removal and coil cleaning is part of the regular program when cleaning your air ducts. 

We, Duct Mates, are committed to clean and dirt free HVAC systems. Using state of the art equipment and technology, we ensure all parts of your air circulation system are free of mould and dirt. Contact us now at 1300 238 287 or fill up this enquiry form for a free quotation.