I've been dealing with a musty smell in my condo for the last few months. Initially, it smelled like sewage in my bedroom, but that disappeared, and now it's just this persistent mustiness, especially at night around 7-8 PM until about 5-6 AM. I'm having trouble pinpointing the source of the smell. My A/C unit was replaced about a year and a half ago, and the coils look fine to me, plus there's no noticeable odor if I check them directly. The condo is 50 years old, and I suspect the vents might be a problem since I doubt they've ever been cleaned. I'm considering having them cleaned but worry about potential damage. The smell seems strongest in my room and might get a tad worse when the A/C is running. My air return is on the floor, right in front of the guest bathroom where I sometimes notice a musty scent too, but still can't identify where it's coming from. I'm planning to check the A/C vents, get the bathroom sink evaluated by a plumber, and possibly consult a mold expert, although I can't see any mold. Any ideas or suggestions?
2 Answers
First off, check to make sure the traps in your sinks have water—if they're dry, it can cause sewer gas odors. Just running water for a while should help fill them up. Also, it could make sense to get those vents cleaned, especially since the place is so old. Just make sure to hire a reputable service so you don't risk damaging them. As for the mustiness, sometimes it can come from plumbing issues too, so you're right to have a plumber take a look. Good luck!
If you're still noticing that musty smell, a mold issue could definitely be lurking somewhere, even if you can't see it. It might be a good idea to have a mold remediation expert check the walls and other hidden areas. Also, since you're on the first floor, check for any signs of flooding—sometimes that can lead to damp spots and musty odors. Don't forget to keep your A/C running regularly since it helps with humidity too!
Definitely agree on the mold check! Even if you think everything looks fine, it’s often hiding out of sight. And yeah, keep your A/C maintained; sometimes just running it more can help with those musty smells.