83k miles, HVAC smells terrible
 

I have the worst mildew smell from my HVAC if I have it running without the A/C on or on recirc. I want to spray/disinfect the evaporator coil, but I have no idea how to get to it.

Any ideas?

Have you changed the cabin air filter lately ?

^^^^ yep, always do the simple things first . . . I would not be surprised if the cabin air filter has never been changed, could be all kinds of nasty.

I recently changed the filter in my daughter's Camry and you would not believe what I found in there . . . a mouse nest, a bunch of acorns, filter was black from all the rat sh*t . . . . smells much better now!

You can buy an 'charcoal activated' cabin air filter for just a few more dollars, that will neutralize odors :)

I change the cabin air filter every summer. I've tried spraying coil cleaner in the hole behind the cabin air filter with the AC on full blast, but that only covered up the issue for about a month.

An activated charcoal filter will only reduce smells coming in from outside. It won't solve the issue of smells already in the system.

Any tips on getting to the coil itself?

Over time an HVAC will develop mold in the system from being shut down with moisture in the vents, etc. I know that the best thing to do is let the fan run a bit after stopping to dry the moisture, but it's something I just don't do, and yep my '13 has a musty smell at the start of winter. I noticed it the other day. Give it awhile, and many times it will dissipate. YMMV

I wonder if blasting the heat on high for a while might clean it out?

I'm thinking that's what eventually clears mine up Bert.

Did your wife take her boots off in the car?

Mine did that yesterday and wow I think I need a new interior.

:jester:

:lol:


:rofl2:

So, you want me to risk my life by replying.......after all these years that woman just knows when I say something. Then :slap: :grin:

Take the cabin filter out. Open the car up. Turn the AC and fan on high. Spray a can Lysol disinfectant spray into the hole that your cabin filter covers.
You can use a sent that isn’t as strong or is to your liking. I used almost a half of a can of spray. Your trying to disinfect the condenser coil to kill off the mold spores.
Put in a new cabin filter.
I always run with the AC on even when it’s cooler outside.
Give it a try. Maybe two tries.