The mild winters in South Florida are attractive in many ways. There are reasons why snowbirds flock to this beautiful region every winter. However, winters sometimes also bring an unpleasant smell that seems to waft through the house. If you’ve noticed a detectable musty smell in the air, it isn’t your imagination. Homes in South Florida are often plagued by a stale, damp, musty smell that seems impossible to get rid of. 

Let’s take a look at what is causing that musty smell, and what can be done about it. 

Causes of the Musty Smell That Takes Over South Florida Homes in Winter

Musty smells in homes are almost always caused by a combination of excess moisture and limited air circulation. South Florida is known for being hot and humid most of the year. But, during the winter when the weather cools slightly, but moisture remains, this can create the perfect scenario for mustiness to occur. 

1. High Humidity Levels 

Humidity levels are high year-round in Florida. In Miami, the average annual humidity levels hover at around 61%, with maximum annual humidity levels reaching as high as 86%. During the winter months, humidity levels stay elevated, which creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. 

2. Condensation 

When outdoor temperatures drop, even slightly, condensation can occur on the cooler surfaces inside your home. Typical areas for condensation to form are walls and windows, but ductwork can also be a prime location. Any time there is added standing moisture, there’s an opportunity for mold and mildew to grow. 

3. Lack of Ventilation 

Some South Florida homeowners like to open up their windows and enjoy circulating the cooler air through their homes. But, many are more acclimated to warmer temperatures, so are more likely to close up their homes during the cooler months. The lack of ventilation, combined with the humidity and condensation mentioned above causes stale, musty air to be trapped indoors. 

4. Issues with HVAC Systems 

There is only so much any homeowner can do on their own to prevent musty smells in their home if their HVAC system isn’t functioning properly. HVAC systems are the unsung heroes of regulating indoor air quality, but they can also circulate damp, moldy air through the home if they’re not functioning properly. 

How HVAC Systems Can Contribute to Mustiness in Homes 

Dirty Air Filters: Air filters trap all the unwanted stuff in the air, such as dust, dirt, and allergens. It’s important that HVAC air filters are replaced regularly because otherwise, they can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. When this happens, HVAC air filters can contribute to the circulation of musty, unpleasant smells. 

Mold: The right combination of moisture and humidity makes ductwork a prime location for mold growth. This can lead to moldy, musty smells circulating through your home every time the HVAC system is turned on. 

Clogs: HVAC systems are equipped with drain lines to remove excess moisture. When working properly, drain lines help to prevent mold and bacteria growth by maintaining property humidity levels. 

Inefficient Systems: An HVAC system that is too small or large for a home will have a harder time regulating humidity levels. Along with this, systems that are outdated and in need of repair or replacement will also struggle. All of these scenarios can increase the chance of your home feeling damp or smelling musty, especially in the winter. 

HVAC Tips for Fixing Musty Smells in Winter 

If you live in South Florida, are you destined to spend the winter months living with musty odors? Absolutely not! There are steps every homeowner can take to reduce or completely eliminate musty smells, and improve air quality. 

Change Air Filters Regularly: Filters should be replaced frequently, depending on how much the HVAC system is used. For frequent use, filters may need to be replaced monthly. During the winter months, this may extend out to every three months. Going longer than this will increase the chances of mold, bacteria, and mildew circulating through the home and causing unpleasant odors. 

Clean Ductwork: If ducts haven’t been cleaned and serviced in a while, now is the time to schedule a professional cleaning. This should involve removing all mold, dust, and debris from the ductwork, all of which can significantly increase indoor air quality and smell. It’s also a good idea to ask for antimicrobial treatments that will help prevent future mold growth. 

Check and Clear the Drain Line: When scheduling maintenance for your HVAC system, make sure that the drain line is unclogged and functioning properly. This is important for avoiding standing water in the system. 

Invest in a Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can be your best friend for preventing musty smells during Florida’s winter. A dehumidifier provides an extra level of moisture control. Dehumidifiers work best when they are sized appropriately for the space they are used in, so make sure the one you’re using isn’t too small for the space it’s in. 

Upgrade Your HVAC System: If musty smells continue to be an issue, it might be time to upgrade an outdated or inefficient HVAC system. Work with an HVAC professional who is knowledgeable about systems designed for high-humidity environments like South Florida. 

Schedule Regular Maintenance: Don’t forget to put regular maintenance for your HVAC system on the calendar. An annual or bi-annual checkup is usually all that is needed to ensure the system is functioning efficiently and to catch any potential problems early. 

Additional Tips and Tricks for a Clean Smelling Home in South Florida 

While HVAC system maintenance and operation are central to avoiding musty odors in your home, there are a few other steps you can take to keep the air smelling fresh, even in South Florida’s winter. 

The first is ventilation. It’s important to have some fresh air circulate throughout your home each day. Even a few minutes can help improve circulation and the overall indoor air quality. Opening a window up just a crack or running exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom for a few minutes can help. 

It’s also a good idea to go on the hunt for sneaky moisture sources. Check your home’s plumbing for signs of leaks and make sure to wipe down any surfaces that are prone to condensation. Windowsills and shower walls are a couple of areas that often need daily attention. 

Your home decor can also play a role in keeping musty odors at bay. Certain plants are great air purifiers and naturally combat musty smells. Spider plants, snake plants, peace lilies, pothos, and English Ivy are just a few examples. Along this line, consider if it’s time to have carpets and upholstered furniture professionally cleaned. These types of materials can trap dirt and moisture, and become a breeding ground for odor. 

We also suggest measuring your home’s humidity levels and aiming to keep them lower than 50%. A simple home hygrometer, which measures humidity levels, can be purchased relatively inexpensively and provides insights on when humidity in your home spikes. 

When to Call a Professional for Musty Home Smells 

If you’ve found your own efforts at controlling musty smells to not be producing the desired results, it’s likely time to call in the pros. A ductwork and HVAC professional can assess your home and pinpoint the source of musty odors. Make sure to partner with a professional who is experienced in South Florida’s unique winter climate and who understands the challenges. 

A musty-smelling home is more than just unpleasant. It can cause health issues, such as triggering allergies or headaches, and musty smells also indicate there’s a larger issue at hand that needs attention. At All Year Cooling, we’re here to help. Contact us to set up a consultation and visit your home. We offer trusted cooling, ductwork, and plumbing services in South Florida. We can work with you to ensure musty odors in your home are a thing of the past.