Forum Discussion

Pop-Pop_C's avatar
Pop-Pop_C
Explorer
Apr 14, 2016

AC ODOR

When we run the heat pump we are getting a musty odor.
Have seen this discussed before.
Was wondering if a 50-50 mix of bleach and water sprayedon the cores would be a solution, or use a vinegar solution. Was wondering what the issues would be using either of these. This a 2013 Winnebago journey. Coleman ac's.thanks in advance!
  • Use an EVAPORATOR CLEANER-- available at any box store.

    Service is done from the roof.

    Remove the A/C cover and then the cover to the evaporator. Be sure to block access to the interior before you spray/rinse.

    A tooth brush (NEVER your own) is a handy evaporator cleaner tool.
  • chlorine can be very corrosive on metals. Contact a cleaning supply company, or even your campground to get a bit of quaternary disinfectant, known as 'quat', sold by the Spartan cleaning supply company as NABC.
    Quat is safe on all surfaces and metals, as effective as bleach for disinfection and mold/ mildew, does require more exposure time. Quat is safe for septic systems, has no odor or taste.
  • I am in the a/c industry and have had some luck with a product called Odorgone which you can purchase on line. As for chlorine products, that would be bad. Your coils have aluminum fins and clorine and aluminum don't play together well. The problem is usually more pronounced when changing from heat to cool. Cleaning the indoor coil will help a lot but the odor should subside as we get into the summer months and don't use the heat as often
  • Most odor issues associated with std air conditioning are related to a dirty evaporator coil - something that tends to get ignored by most RVer's because it's hidden under a metal shroud. Lots of threads on "how to find/access/ clean" RV evaporator coils. Not familiar with heat pumps but assume issue is similar.