Are there any Air Conditioner experts on here that can help?

[daveybrat]

So i've lived in my apartment for about 6 years now. It has a combo AC/Heating unit inside the closet. Lately when i turn the AC on it's a very musty mildewy odor coming from it.

So i'm sure the condenser coils needs to be cleaned but what about the water in the crawlspace below it?

Here's some pictures i took of the unit:

 

[herm0016]

looks like the condensate drain is leaking. yes, it needs to get fixed and cleaned up.

 

[daveybrat]

looks like the condensate drain is leaking. yes, it needs to get fixed and cleaned up.

Do you think i should contact the apartment complex to have them take care of it or call a real AC professional?

 

[herm0016]

they should fix it, im sure theyhave a contractor.
we are a contactor for several property managment companies and they dont like others in there buildings

 

[daveybrat]

they should fix it, im sure theyhave a contractor.
we are a contactor for several property managment companies and they dont like others in there buildings

Thanks a lot herm, i really appreciate the sound advice. I'll let you know what they decide to do.

 

[Greenman]

Perhaps I'm not understanding the pictures, but it looks to me like that unit draws moldy air from the crawl space instead of a return system?

 

[[DHT]Osiris]

Perhaps I'm not understanding the pictures, but it looks to me like that unit draws moldy air from the crawl space instead of a return system?

Bonus, it makes it's own mold from the condensate dripping without a pan. Free mold!

 

[NutBucket]

Perhaps I'm not understanding the pictures, but it looks to me like that unit draws moldy air from the crawl space instead of a return system?

It's a bit hard to verify from the photos because of how dark the "floor" is. In the first photo, the blue filter should be between the bottom of the unit and the finished floor/subfloor. So there is no return "duct" but it draws air from inside the dwelling.
However I agree the subsequent photos make it look like there is no subfloor...but maybe it is just soaked with water hence the dark appearance.

 

[crashtech]

Ugh, that's nasty. As others have said, the condensation from the evaporator is not making it outside unit for whatever reason. Could be something as simple as a clogged drain. I'd want to put a HEPA filter on there ASAP if it must be run in this condition, there are undoubtedly spores in the air you are breathing.

Honestly I would consider living with the heat, or renting a window A/C until this is addressed.

 

[Greenman]

.

Great first post. Insightful, informative, to the point.

 

[aigomorla]

@daveybrat

I work in Property Management.
Unless its stated AS IS, or has the words all repairs must be done at Leasee expense, which most APT rental contracts do not have, or the damage looks malicous and done by the leasee, the leaser must repair it.

In the case of Mold and Mildew it gets even worse, as the repair must be done quickly.
Any responsible management will repair it quickly as it will cause more financial burden if left unfixed for a longer time.

Contact management with these pictures and ask they fix it imediately, as it presents a health risk.

 

[daveybrat]

@daveybrat

I work in Property Management.
Unless its stated AS IS, or has the words all repairs must be done at Leasee expense, which most APT rental contracts do not have, or the damage looks malicous and done by the leasee, the leaser must repair it.

In the case of Mold and Mildew it gets even worse, as the repair must be done quickly.
Any responsible management will repair it quickly as it will cause more financial burden if left unfixed for a longer time.

Contact management with these pictures and ask they fix it imediately, as it presents a health risk.

Thanks. Yes, i did contact management and they did fix the issue. The crawl space now looks nice and dry thankfully.