An unpleasant odor coming from your HVAC is annoying, but it can also be a sign of an underlying issue with your system that can negatively affect both your home’s indoor air quality and your health.

What can cause a musty smell from your HVAC? Usually, the culprit for the musty, dank odor from your HVAC system is mold and mildew, which thrive in dark, moist places. We’ll look at some ways you can identify problem spots and how you can address the issue effectively to breathe cleaner, fresher air.

Let’s discuss the causes and solutions for unpleasant odors coming from your HVAC.

Musty HVAC Smells and Health Hazards

Mold and mildew spores, dust and other pathogens circulated by HVAC systems cause poor indoor air quality that can exacerbate allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions. Prolonged exposure may lead to chronic issues like sinus infections or bronchitis. Children and elderly individuals, and those who are immunocompromised, are particularly at risk.

Common Causes of Musty HVAC

• Dirty Evaporator Coil – Your AC unit’s evaporator coil, which cools warm air, tends to attract dust and moisture, creating an excellent environment for mold and mildew growth. Signs of a problem include weak airflow and ice buildup on the coil.
• Clogged Condensate Drain Line – Moisture from the evaporator coil drains through a tube called a condensate drain line. If it’s clogged by dirt or algae, stagnant water will puddle underneath it, leading to mold and mildew growth and odors.
• Leaky Air Ducts – Leaks in ducts located in attics or crawl spaces can pull in humid, mold-spore-filled air, contaminating your HVAC system and circulating musty smells throughout your home.
• Dirty Air Filters – A clogged air filter restricts airflow, trapping excess moisture and the organic debris that mold feeds on. This can cause odors when the HVAC starts up.
• Excess Moisture in Ducts/Vents – High humidity levels and condensation in your ductwork can create a constantly damp environment, encouraging mold, mildew and microbial growth.

Practical DIY HVAC Odor Solutions

• Replace Air Filters – A good rule of thumb is to change the air filter in your AC unit every 1–3 months. However, if you have pets, a lot of foot traffic in your home, or if it’s a dusty environment, you may need to replace it more often.
• Clean the Condensate Drain Line – Make sure your evaporator drain line is free of obstructions. For extra measure, pour some bleach through it to kill mold and mildew spores, and bacteria.
• Use Baking Soda – Baking soda is a great odor absorber. Place an open box in ducts to neutralize odors, similar to deodorizing a refrigerator.
• Seal Duct Leaks – Use foil tape or mastic sealant, available at hardware stores, to seal up around seams and holes to prevent humid air from entering the system.
• Clean Evaporator Coils – Remove any ice buildup and apply a commercial coil cleaner to remove dust and debris along with spores. Coils are fragile, so be careful to avoid damaging them.

How to Keep Your HVAC Smelling Fresh

• Schedule Annual Maintenance – The best way to keep your HVAC in tip-top condition is to have a yearly inspection and routine maintenance performed by a professional. An HVAC technician will clean your coils, check refrigerant levels and inspect your ductwork, among other things.
• Control Humidity – Preventing moisture buildup will help prevent mold and mildew growth. Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity between 30–50%.
• Upgrade Filters – Opt for HEPA filters to capture smaller particles and reduce organic debris. They’re a bit more expensive but worth it, especially for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
• Install UV Air Purifiers – These UV Air Purifier systems kill mold spores and bacteria in ducts and will greatly improve your indoor air quality.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation – Use exhaust fans in bathrooms/kitchens to reduce dust and moisture accumulation.

When to Call a Professional HVAC Technician

If you’re still getting musty, foul odors emanating from your HVAC system after you’ve performed all the routine maintenance outlined above and taken the preventive measures, it’s time to request the assistance of your local heating and air conditioning contractor.

This is especially true if you’re smelling a sweet chemical odor, which could indicate a refrigerant leak, or if you see visible mold and mildew in your vents or near the indoor unit. They’ll be able to do a deep cleaning of your system, install UV germicidal lamps if necessary, and repair any damaged or malfunctioning components that could be contributing to the smell. An inspection and routine maintenance by a licensed professional will also keep your warranties in good order if you have to file a claim.

Musty HVAC: A Warning Sign You Shouldn’t Ignore

A musty HVAC smell is a red flag for moisture and mold issues that demand prompt attention. While DIY fixes can address minor problems, persistent odors often require professional intervention. Regular maintenance and humidity control are key to ensuring your home’s indoor air remains fresh and safe.

If you’re still wondering what can cause a musty smell from your HVAC and what to do about it, trust the experts at Apex Air. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Does homeowner insurance cover HVAC? That’s a question we often get from our customers, and the answer is yes in most situations. After all, your furnace and central air are an integral and essential part of your home.

However, whether standard homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of damage to your HVAC unit due to electrical problems is another matter. It’s a gray area that depends on how the damage was caused and other factors.

We’ll take a look at when your insurance company will likely approve a claim for repairing or replacing the unit after electrical damage, and the situations where they likely will not. We’ll also go over the basics of homeowner’s insurance and filing a claim for HVAC damage.

Understanding Home Insurance Basics: Types and Exclusions

Home insurance policies typically include several types of coverage, including:

• Dwelling coverage: Protects the structural elements of your house.
• Personal property coverage: Covers your belongings and items inside your home.
• Liability coverage. Protects you if someone gets injured on your property.
• Additional living expenses: Pays the costs of temporary relocation due to damage to your dwelling.

However, standard homeowner’s policies also come with exclusions. Common exclusions include damage caused by:

• Normal wear and tear
• Lack of regular maintenance and upkeep
• Gradual damage like slow leaks and rust that could have been prevented or repaired
• Certain natural disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes)

When You’re Likely Covered For HVAC Damage Caused by Electrical Problems

Your home insurance will probably pay for HVAC repair or replacement due to electrical problems in the following circumstances:

Lightning Strikes

If lightning directly hits your HVAC system or causes a power surge that damages it, most policies will cover the repair or replacement. More on power surges later.

Fire Damage

An electrical fire that damages your HVAC system will typically be covered under standard policies.

Falling Objects

If a falling tree or other object somehow causes electrical damage to your outdoor AC unit, it will usually be covered.

Vandalism

Intentional damage to your HVAC’s electrical components will be included in most policies.

Sudden and Accidental Damage

If a sudden electrical malfunction occurs that’s not due to wear and tear, neglect, or DIY repairs gone wrong, some policies may approve a claim.

When You’re Likely NOT Covered: HVAC Damage Caused by Electrical Problems

Knowing when does homeowner insurance cover HVAC is important, but knowing when it won’t is possibly more so. There are several situations where your insurance company will probably deny your claim for HVAC repair or replacement due to electrical issues:

• Wear and Tear
  If your HVAC system fails due to old age or normal use, it’s not covered.
• Lack of Maintenance
  If the electrical problem is due to neglect or poor maintenance, your claim will likely be denied.
• Manufacturer Defects
  These are typically covered by warranties, not home insurance.
• Gradual Damage
  Slow deterioration of electrical components over time, which would fall under normal wear and tear, won’t be covered.
• Power Company Issues
  If a brownout or blackout of the electrical grid damages your system, it may not be covered unless you have specific endorsements or riders.

Who Pays for Power Surge Damage?

Power surge damage to an HVAC unit can be a gray area in home insurance. Generally:

• If the power surge is caused by a covered hazard such as a lightning strike, your insurance may cover the damage.
• If the surge originates from the power company’s equipment, you’ll probably have to contact them to file a claim for damages.
• For internal surges caused by your own equipment, you’ll likely be responsible unless you have purchased specific additional coverage.

How to File an Insurance Claim for HVAC Damage

If you believe your HVAC damage is probably covered, take these steps to file a claim. Your HVAC contractor will usually help you navigate the process.

1. Document the damage by taking photos and videos of your system.
2. Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, but don’t start repairs before the insurance company inspects.
3. Contact your insurance company to report the claim as soon as possible.
4. An insurance adjuster will inspect the damage and estimate repair costs.
5. Obtain repair or replacement quotes from licensed HVAC contractors.
6. Carefully consider the insurance company’s offer before accepting.
7. Remember, if you disagree with the settlement, you can appeal the decision, preferably with the help of an attorney.

If your claim is approved, your insurance company may reimburse you in one of two ways:

• Replacement value: Covers the cost to replace your unit at the time of loss.
• Actual cash value: Reimburses the market value of the unit at the time of loss.

By gaining a thorough understanding of your coverage, you’ll be better prepared to handle unexpected HVAC issues. Remember, if you’re in doubt about your coverage, call your insurance company for clarification.

Does your damaged HVAC need repairs or replacement? Contact the experts at Apex Air and we’ll help you navigate the claims process.