It’s almost summer in Utah, and things are heating up fast. That means most people have already turned their air conditioning on for the first time since winter. If you’ve turned your system on this season and noticed your aircon smells musty, you’re not alone. While this issue is fairly common, it can still be a sign that your HVAC needs some extra attention before the summer heat kicks into full gear.
Why Does My AC Smell Bad?
Your AC has just come back from being dormant for a while, so if your air conditioner smells bad when turned on, odds are dust has accumulated in some parts of the system. If the filter, ducts, or other components like the evaporator coil are dirty, the fan will circulate dust particles and debris from those places into the air you breathe at home.
Older systems are especially prone to this kind of buildup, and it doesn’t just affect the AC—a dirty HVAC system can cause smells from the heater during winter, too.
If you or someone living with you has allergies, asthma, or sensitivities to airborne contaminants, dust blowing around your house from the AC can make for an uncomfortable home environment. Fortunately, there are several easy solutions you can try.
How Do I Get Rid of the Musty Smell?
The solution to the musty smell is sometimes as simple as a filter change. Old, dirty filters can’t do their job well, and the dust and debris accumulated in them certainly won’t help with the smell. Three months is typically the longest amount of time you should go without changing a filter, but if you have pets or allergies, changing the filter every month is better.
The EPA recommends using a filter with a MERV rating as high as your system fan and filter slot can accommodate. For most homes, that falls between MERV 8 and 11. However, if you have questions about what filter is best for your home’s unique needs, you should consult a certified HVAC technician.
Whole home in-duct air purifiers can also help keep unpleasant smells out of your home. These devices use UV lights to kill bacteria in the air circulating through your house, so they’re especially good for homes with people who are sensitive to airborne contaminants. If you want to know if a UV light air purifier would be beneficial for your home, ask an HVAC professional.
If changing the filter and then running the fan doesn’t get rid of the musty smell or if you can see built-up dust in other parts of the system, it’s time to consider looking for HVAC service Orem UT and the surrounding community trusts.
What to Expect from Professional AC Services
When you’re looking for assistance from HVAC companies in Utah, you have a lot of options. Make sure to look for businesses with licensed, experienced technicians and good reviews. If you’re looking for personable, honest service, CSA HVAC Services is a locally-owned option based in Orem. They emphasize integrity and hard work, and treat their clients like family.
When you schedule a consultation with an HVAC technician, they will examine your system thoroughly to diagnose the issue before explaining your options. To fix a musty smell, they might clean components, repair ductwork, or recommend different filter options.
Pricing will vary depending on what services your system needs, but CSA HVAC Services offers free consultations before you commit to anything—no hidden fees, no bait-and-switch upsells.
Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh With a Professional HVAC Partner
Ultimately, the most reliable way to prevent unpleasant smells and unexpected breakdowns from your HVAC system is regular, professional maintenance. This usually entails getting your AC serviced in the spring and your heating serviced in late summer or early fall.
CSA HVAC Services offers premium memberships to make regular maintenance easier and more affordable. Two full system tune-ups per year are included, as well as priority service.
Whether you need a professional to fix an unpleasant smell from your AC or you want to sign up for an HVAC membership to prevent these issues in the future, CSA HVAC is here for you. Give us a call at (801) 874-5686 or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule your consultation.