If your air conditioner gives off a musty, damp smell when it kicks on, it’s trying to tell you something: there’s almost certainly mould growing inside it. In Brisbane’s warm, humid climate this is extremely common — and it’s worth dealing with, both for your air conditioner and for your family’s health.
Why does it happen?
Air conditioners remove moisture from the air as they cool, and that moisture, combined with dust and Brisbane’s humidity, creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria inside the indoor unit — particularly on the coils and in the filters. Over time it builds up, and every time the unit runs it blows that musty, mouldy air through your room.
Why it matters for your health
Mould spores circulating through your home can trigger allergies, irritate asthma and respiratory conditions, and generally affect indoor air quality. If anyone in the household is sneezing, congested or wheezing more when the air con runs, the unit may be the culprit.
The fix: a chemical clean
A standard filter clean helps, but it doesn’t reach the mould growing deep in the coils. The proper fix is a professional chemical clean — the technician thoroughly cleans and sanitises the indoor unit’s coils, fans and drainage to remove the mould at the source. It makes an immediate difference to both the smell and the air quality.
How to prevent it coming back
- Service your unit regularly — an annual service (more in heavy-use homes) keeps mould in check.
- Clean your filters every few weeks during peak use.
- Run the fan or ‘dry’ mode for a short while after cooling to help dry out the unit.
- Keep the room ventilated when you can to reduce overall humidity.
Get rid of the smell for good
If your air conditioner smells musty, a chemical clean is the answer. Integrated Trade Services provides air conditioning servicing and chemical cleans across Brisbane — see our air conditioning services or read our guide on how often to service your air conditioner. Call 0400 775 002 to book.