As the heat wave continues, air conditioner usage has increased, drawing attention to a simple method to significantly reduce mold and odors by using the 'fan mode' before turning off the unit.
The primary cause of musty odors from air conditioners is moisture left inside after cooling. When the air conditioner operates, droplets form on the internal heat exchanger, and turning off the unit in this state creates a humid environment conducive to mold and bacteria growth.
The easiest way to prevent this is to open a window and run the cooling function briefly before turning off the unit, then use the fan or internal drying (clean drying) function at the end. The fan mode does not produce cold air but simply circulates air to dry the interior.
The Korea Consumer Agency recommends using the fan or drying function for at least 10 minutes after using the air conditioner to dry the interior. However, on-site air conditioner installation and repair technicians advise that running the fan for about 60 minutes is more effective for removing internal moisture.
There is little need to worry about electricity costs. In fan mode, the outdoor unit responsible for cooling does not operate, significantly reducing power consumption. Both LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics recommend using the fan or automatic drying function to dry the air conditioner’s interior, with power consumption reported to be similar to that of a single fan.
If musty odors persist even after using the fan and drying functions, it may indicate that mold or contaminants have already accumulated, and professional disassembly cleaning is advisable.
One internet user shared, "While articles recommend an hour, on particularly humid days, it may not dry well, so they suggest running it for up to two hours. It’s similar to drying laundry." They added, "I have an automatic drying model, but the time is short, so I set the off timer every time. Usually, before going to bed at night, I lower the indoor temperature sufficiently, close all doors, and open the window in the air-conditioned room to run the fan for 1-2 hours. After the fan stops, closing the window surprisingly keeps the hot air out, and reopening all doors allows the cool air to mix properly. It still feels cool."
However, they cautioned, "If you run the fan with the window closed, the air conditioner smell circulates back into the room, so it’s essential to open at least a small window."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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