The air in my house smells damp--should I get the ducts cleaned?

Question

I got a brand-new air handler (heat pump) in my house 1.5 years ago (Feb. 2007). When I turn on my a/c, sometimes the air in my house smells damp (though it's not, really). Or maybe it's just cold? Does this mean that some part of the system needs to be cleaned, like the ductwork? I don't think the coils are dirty enough to be cleaned yet, in the air handler itself. There are no leaks or anything, though it USED to leak which is partly why I got it replaced (that and the element was fried).

Answer 1

The smell is from the evap coil and since the air handler is dark mold will grow, remove the filter and spray some Lysol into the return with the fan running. This will freshen up the system, I do this every month when I change my filter 2-3 minutes will be fine.

Answer 2

Try a dehumidifier.

Answer 3

Do what a/c tech said and also when you don't have the a/c. unit on try opening some windows up to let fresh air in to air out the place. That always helps riding of the damp smell. Sounds like you have mold growing in your unit as that is how it smells. You may need to clean the coil in the unit. Yeah since it is dark in the unit, the condensation and damp moisture causes mold.

Answer 4

yes