Originally Posted by breatheasy We keep a very clean house but i notice a musty smell when i turn our ac on. Has anyone had this problem and what can be done? thank you

Musty smells in HVAC units can be caused by many factors. First thing of course is check the air filter and clean or replace if suspicious smelling. I set aside the cheap washable plastic filter and bought a good quality filter available at the home improvement centers.

Next question is when is this Musty smell evident, during initial seasonal startup or is it constant? Startup smells can be normal for the first running.

It could be the A-frame cooling unit in the return plenum in your furnace has gathered dust on the fins and the combination of dust and moisture could cause the smell. In this case you need a professional HVAC service person.

Don't be shy about stopping and talking to a service facility about your condition and see what they have to offer. Good luck

Handie :joke:

PS on the before post

I had some friends years ago who left their home in Florida closed up and no air or humidity control for the summer. Upon their return the home was nearly inhabitable for the smell of mold. Needless to say don't leave homes in FL with out setting the AC for 80 degrees and add some moisture/odor absorbers around. These can be found at the home improvement centers

Handie :joke:

Originally Posted by handieman PS on the before post I had some friends years ago who left their home in Florida closed up and no air or humidity control for the summer. Upon their return the home was nearly inhabitable for the smell of mold. Needless to say don't leave homes in FL with out setting the AC for 80 degrees and add some moisture/odor absorbers around. These can be found at the home improvement centers Handie :joke:

Originally Posted by barefoot at last Handie, can you comment on whether a humistat is required if you leave for the summer? :dontknow: Thanks. BF

Humidistat :bigthumbsup:

Ultimate protection when leaving your home for the summer

Handie :joke:

Originally Posted by handieman Humidistat :bigthumbsup: Ultimate protection when leaving your home for the summer Handie :joke:

I overlooked one important item in the search for a solution to this problem. This problem also is more common in the summer than winter. The drain pan that receives the water from the AC coils that extract moisture from the air can be a culprit. This collector pan drains into the PVC (plastic) pipe that they told us all to clean out with vinegar. The pan can become clogged with dust and not allow the water to drain down the outlet pipe, thus harboring dust and moisture that breeds musty smells. In most cases this area is accessible from a side panel on the HVAC unit. If in doubt call a pro.

One other thing about furnace filters. The plastic one that came with the furnace is useless and the fiberglass cheapies are almost as equally useless. I would suggest a medium priced waffle type to remove the dried skin, pet dander, dust, and pollens that are floating around inside your home

Hope all your problems go away ;D

Handie :joke: