What's That Smell? 3 Causes Of AC Odors
Posted on: 7 June 2017
If you've got foul odors floating through your home, and you've checked all the usual suspects, the problem might be with your air conditioner. You might not realize this, but your air conditioner can leave your home smelling bad, especially if it's got a problem that's been overlooked. Luckily, you don't have to shut your air conditioner off to get relief from the problem. In most cases, foul odors coming from your air conditioner can be traced by to three simple culprits. Here's how to identify the origin of your smelly air.
Dirty Air Filter
When it comes to problems with your air conditioner, many of the issues can be traced back to the filter; including foul odors. If you're noticing a dank, musty odor each time your air conditioner cycles on, begin your search for the source right at the filter. The first thing you should do is replace your current filter with a fresh one. Second, use your vacuum to remove any dirt and dust that might be trapped along the edges of the filter compartment. Finally, wash the filter compartment door. Fill a bucket with warm water and add one teaspoon each of grease-cutting dish detergent and lemon juice. Wipe the filter compartment down using a damp cloth and your cleaning solution.
Clogged Condensate Line
Your air conditioner has a plastic tube called the condensate line. This condensate line is responsible for draining the condensation that develops when your air conditioner is running. Over time, your condensate line can get dirty. It can even fill with mold and algae. Unfortunately, the mold and algae will leave your condensate line smelling less-than-fresh. When that happens, the foul odors will filter right into your home. If you're noticing a moldy smell whenever the air conditioner is running, it's time to clean the condensate line. Pour a small amount of household bleach into the condensate line and then use a pipe cleaner to scrub the inside of the line. This will remove the mold and algae that are causing the foul odors.
Problem in the Ducts
If you've got foul odors coming from the ducts, and you haven't had them cleaned in a while, it's time to have that taken care of. Dirt, allergens, dead bugs, and even rodent fecal matter can build up inside the ducts. Get rid of odors by having your ducts cleaned. Not sure how often you should have your ducts cleaned? A good rule of thumb is to have your ducts cleaned whenever you notice dirt building up on the walls or ceilings around the vent covers.
If your air conditioner is leaving your home smelling foul, it's time to take matters into your own hands. If the problem persists, be sure to contact an HVAC technician, like Northwest Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, near you.
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