Not all Valley HVAC companies are local. Ours is.
See why Central Valley families choose Nalk over the big chains.
May, 2025
Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Musty?
A FRESNO HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO SOLVING THAT FUNKY AC SMELL, FAST.
You turn on your air conditioner to escape the Central Valley heat, but instead of fresh cool air, you get hit with a funky musty smell. Kind of like damp laundry that sat too long. That’s not normal, and it’s definitely not something to ignore.
If you live in Fresno or Clovis, Nalk AC and Heating is the team to call when your AC starts smelling off. We know this area, we know this issue, and we fix it right.
What That Musty Smell
Really Means
When your air conditioner starts smelling stale, it usually means moisture is building up somewhere it shouldn’t. And where there’s moisture, there’s often mold or mildew starting to grow.
Here’s what could be going on:
Clogged Drain Line or Full Drip Pan
When water can’t drain properly, it collects inside your system and creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. That standing water is often the source of that stale, swampy smell.
Mold on Coils or in Ductwork
Dark, damp areas like your evaporator coils and air ducts are prime spots for hidden mold growth. Once it's there, every time your AC runs, it's pushing that musty air through your entire home.
Dirty, Damp, or Old
Air Filter
Your air filter is supposed to trap dust, not recycle it. If it’s dirty or has absorbed moisture, it can spread that funky smell throughout the house every time your system kicks on.
Should You Try Fixing It Yourself?
We get it. You might light a candle, spray some air freshener, or try a quick trick you found online. But most musty AC smells come from deep inside the system. That’s not something you can wipe away or mask.
Those temporary fixes won’t solve the real issue. In fact, waiting too long can let mold or bacteria spread further. When your air smells off, it's time to get it checked by someone who knows where to look and how to fix it right.
Why central valley Homeowners Call Nalk First
When your AC starts to smell musty, you need more than a quick spray or guesswork. You need a local team that knows how to find the source and fix it fast.
At Nalk AC and Heating, we deal with this problem every single season. We’ve helped homeowners all across Fresno and Clovis breathe cleaner, cooler air by getting straight to the root of the issue. No gimmicks. No delays.
Here’s what we take care of:
Removing mold and mildew from coils and components
Cleaning or replacing filters clogged with dust and moisture
Catching small problems early, before they become expensive breakdowns
Clearing blocked drain lines before they cause bigger damage
We show up when we say we will, explain what’s going on in plain language, and get your system back on track quickly. That’s the kind of service you should expect, and that’s exactly what we deliver.
The NALK Difference
Choosing NALK means partnering with a team that values integrity, quality, and customer satisfaction:
Local Expertise
Deep understanding of Fresno and Clovis climate challenges.
Veteran-Owned
Bringing discipline and dedication to every job.
Customer-centric
We prioritize your comfort and peace of mind.
FAIR, AFFORDABLE HVAC—WITHOUT THE SURPRISES
A customer in Clovis was told by another HVAC company they needed a full system replacement… to the tune of $5,200. Our team came out for a second opinion—and fixed the issue for just $511.
That’s not a fluke. It’s the NALK difference.
Here’s what some companies won’t tell you:
Overdiagnosing to sell you more than you actually need
Sky-high markups on parts and labor
Pushing replacements when repairs make more sense
See the Honest Difference for Yourself!
Don’t Let That Smell Stick Around
A musty-smelling air conditioner is a warning sign. It won’t fix itself, and the longer it sits, the more damage it can cause to your system and your air quality.
If your home smells off when the AC kicks on, don’t wait. Nalk AC and Heating is ready to help. We’re local, we’re fast, and we know how to get your system back to clean, reliable comfort.
Call Nalk today. We’ll clear the smell and make your home feel fresh again.
Proudly Serving Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Kingsburg, Reedley & Surrounding Areas
Nalk Air Conditioning and Heating
OFFICE ADDRESS:
4535 N Bendal Ave #105
Fresno, CA 93722
Contact: