musty Smell from hvac, fan only.

[znil78]

hi everyone, i turned on just the fan today and there is a musty smell coming from all the vents. with cool/heat on no odors at all. is this dss?

[afbryanwv]

Maybe the duct needs cleaned. Maybe the evaporator drain pan is cracked and leaking water into the ductwork. I am new to the field, so I don't know how much help I can be :) I am sure someone else will have a better answer, but at least I can get some education on as to why as well.

[znil78]

the home is less than a year old. got a vacuum and cleaned up the return grille, took out the filter and got a light and looked at the coil, all i can say is wow. there are a couple of black streaks on the sides where there's a metal plate that covers a small portion of the fins :( lots of white spots on the fins as well. placed my hand on the condensate pan and its full of water, is that normal? any advice on what i should tell the contractor tom? any help would be much appreciated. my daughter is taking immune suppressants because she had a liver transplant. im really worried what i saw were mold patches :( please help.

this is how the AH is setup:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3534459788_1c02a36ddb.jpg

[hidalgo1301]

Call the installing contractor out and have them take a look at the system. Be sure to have the drains checked for proper installation per manufacturers instructions. If the system is less than a year old, there should be no issues with them coming out and addressing your concerns. How did the filter look?

[znil78]

warranty ends on may 13. filter looks perfect, i change it every 15 days. ill call them first thing tom. do you guys think the black streaks on the fins is mold?

[hidalgo1301]

No use in guessing. Just tell them you would like to have it tested.

[afbryanwv]

warranty ends on may 13. filter looks perfect, i change it every 15 days. ill call them first thing tom. do you guys think the black streaks on the fins is mold?

It could be a type of mold. If the pan is full of water maybe the condensate drain line (white pvc pipe) is clogged. I would have a professional evaluate it like Hidlago1301 said. Keep us informed on how that goes if you don't mind.

[airproguyrick]

Shouldn't that drain have had a trap? Wonder if there is some kind of water damage to insulation in coil box,etc.

[hidalgo1301]

Primary goes around back side...appears to be trapped. Could be improper fall of drain or air handler, have to have contractor check it out.