If your ductless AC in Cherry Hill is starting to smell musty, you're not alone. It's a common issue many homeowners face, especially during the summer when the unit is working hard to keep the house cool. Over time, the system can develop a damp, mildew-like odor that spreads through the air every time it turns on. This isn’t just unpleasant—it could be a sign that something inside the system needs attention.
Musty odors don't usually come out of nowhere. In most cases, they build up slowly from moisture that sticks around too long inside the unit or ducts. Left unaddressed, that trapped moisture can lead to mold growth, which can affect your comfort and health. Tackling the root of the smell keeps your AC working well and helps avoid bigger problems down the line.
Common Causes Of Musty Odors In AC
One of the most common reasons for musty smells in a ductless AC is trapped moisture. Cooling systems naturally create condensation, especially during hot Cherry Hill summers. That moisture is supposed to drain away, but sometimes the drainage gets blocked or slowed down. When that happens, water collects inside parts of the unit and doesn’t dry properly, creating a damp environment perfect for mold or mildew.
Other causes that often lead to musty smells include:
- Dirty or clogged filters: When filters get filled with dust, they trap moisture and prevent airflow, which leads to stale air building up.
- Moldy coils: Over time, evaporator coils can gather indoor air pollutants or bugs, and if the surface stays wet, mold can begin to grow.
- Inactive system: If the AC hasn’t been used for a while, dust and moisture can settle inside the system, especially if the environment is humid inside the home. As soon as you turn the unit on again, that musty smell hits hard.
These sources usually don’t create immediate, strong odors. The smell tends to grow over time, beginning as a faint mustiness and gradually becoming more noticeable with each use. A good example is when a Cherry Hill homeowner went through a few sticky summer days with windows open, only to notice a strong mildew smell once they shut the windows and turned the cooling back on. Moisture had built up without them realizing, and it had gone unchecked just long enough to start causing odor.
If any of these situations sound familiar, it's a signal to give the unit a closer look before the problem spreads or becomes worse.
Steps To Identify The Source Of The Smell
Before anything can be fixed, you have to locate where the problem is coming from. Several parts of a ductless AC could be the source of the musty odor. A quick visual inspection may not tell the whole story, so taking a thorough step-by-step approach is important.
Here’s a guide to get started:
1. Check the air filters – Remove the unit’s front cover and slide the filters out. If they’re covered in dust or have a damp feel, they’re likely contributing to the smell.
2. Inspect the coils – Use a flashlight to look at the evaporator coils. You’ll find them behind the filters. If you notice any discoloration or buildup, it could be mold.
3. Examine the condensate drain – This small pipe or tray collects condensation from your unit. Make sure it’s not clogged or backed up with standing water. If you see any signs of mold growth or algae, the drain may need cleaning.
4. Smell around vents and louvers – Turn on the unit and walk around the space. If the smell is strongest when the air blows through certain directions, it could help narrow down the main buildup areas.
5. Look inside the indoor unit housing – If you're able to adjust vents or access deeper parts of the unit, check for dust, bugs, or anything stuck inside. Be careful not to dislodge parts or create more issues.
Identifying where the odor is strongest can help decide how urgent the situation might be. If everything still smells musty even after a filter swap and a few adjustments, it may be a deeper issue inside the system that needs professional help. Don’t wait too long to seek out a full inspection once the smell becomes consistent.
Solutions For Eliminating Musty Smells
Once you've narrowed down the source of the musty odor in your ductless AC, the next step is to eliminate it and stop it from coming back. The best approach always includes routine care and moisture control. Summer in Cherry Hill brings high humidity, which can create the perfect setting for mold and mildew to build up inside your unit. Staying on top of upkeep makes it easier to avoid these problems.
A few steps to reduce moisture and odor risk include:
- Schedule regular cleanings: Air filters should be cleaned or replaced every few weeks, especially if you notice dust layers or slower airflow.
- Wipe down visible components: If you see moisture or dirt buildup inside the front cover, gently wipe it with a dry cloth. Avoid spraying water or chemicals into the ductless unit.
- Use a dehumidifier: This helps lower the moisture levels in rooms where AC units are located, especially basements or places without good airflow.
- Keep furniture away: Large pieces of furniture close to the unit can block airflow, causing condensation to sit in one area for too long.
- Set consistent temperature: Switching the settings on and off frequently may increase moisture cycling. Keeping your AC at a steady temperature helps it run smoother and prevent damp pockets.
If cleaning the visible parts of the system doesn’t solve the odor, the issue may be coming from inside the unit or parts that are hard to reach without training. A professional cleaning service will clear out areas like evaporator coils, drainage lines, and blower wheels where bacteria and mold often settle. It’s a safe way to restore fresh air and keep indoor spaces comfortable.
When To Call Our Professionals
There are times when even regular filter maintenance and surface cleaning won’t solve the problem. If the musty odor returns shortly after each cleaning, or if it never goes away in the first place, it's likely time to let our professionals check it out. Persistent smells could be linked to clogged drainage, internal mold patches, or mechanical problems that can't be handled without proper equipment.
Another red flag is when the AC isn’t cooling as well as it used to, especially alongside the odor. A drop in performance paired with a bad smell could mean the core sections of the system are blocked or overly dirty. If the unit is older or hasn’t been cleaned in a few seasons, a complete internal service may be needed.
Our technicians are trained to work on ductless AC systems in Cherry Hill and know what to look for depending on the layout of your home. We use specific tools to reach the inside parts and do a deep cleaning that clears out mold at its source, not just the surface. Letting a technician inspect the system also helps catch future issues like refrigerant leaks or motor strain before they turn into larger costs.
Keeping Your Cherry Hill Home Fresh And Comfortable
Clean air makes a big difference in how your home feels day to day. Bad smells, even if they seem minor, can throw off the whole atmosphere. When those odors come from your ductless AC, they can spread room to room and stick to furniture and clothing. That’s why keeping the unit clean and well-maintained matters.
Routine servicing goes beyond spring cleaning. The filters, coils, drains, and fans inside a ductless unit all need attention at different times of the year. Regular professional check-ups keep everything working safely and quietly without odor-causing buildup. This also gives you confidence that your unit is free of mold and working efficiently when you need it most.
For Cherry Hill homeowners, taking steps early helps prevent long-term problems. Controlling moisture inside your home, scheduling inspections, and recognizing odor signs quickly are the most effective ways to keep your cooling system fresh. A little planning now protects your comfort during the heat and helps your ductless AC last longer without added hassle or expense.
If persistent musty odors are affecting your home comfort, Climate Mechanics understands the importance of timely maintenance. Our technicians can help restore your system’s performance by addressing moisture issues and ensuring optimal operation throughout the humid season. Learn more about maintaining your ductless AC in Cherry Hill for long-term efficiency. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
