Here’s a common problem, your air conditioner blows foul or unpleasant-smelling air, which can quickly make your living conditions uncomfortable. In some cases, these bad smells can indicate a severe problem, but most of the time, it’s a quick fix that could have been prevented with air conditioning unit maintenance. Below we look at what causes these odors and what you can do to eliminate them.
Reasons Your AC Smells Bad When Turned On
First, you should understand why your air conditioning is blowing smelly air. When you discover what’s wrong, it’s easier to fix the situation and gauge if you need professional HVAC services. So why is this happening? In most cases, an air conditioner blows foul-smelling air because of mold and mildew that has grown in the unit. Your air conditioner produces condensation and moisture, and there’s also air circulating in the area. Small particles of debris like dust, hair, pet dander, and insect parts can get clogged to the fins or around drainage areas. The combination of moisture and pollutants eventually produces mold and mildew. Your AC is a breeding ground for all kinds of smelly fungi. When the growth starts, your air conditioner blows bad-smelling air into your home.
Thankfully, you don’t need to replace your existing unit when your system blows smelly air. In most cases, you can solve this problem with air conditioning unit maintenance. Don’t be intimidated when your AC smells–at American Weathermakers, we can help resolve the matter.
How to Prevent Your AC From Blowing Smelly Air
When you partner with our technicians, we’ll start by looking at the unit’s condensation drainage line. The build-up in this area is a common reason why air conditioners blow polluted air. We will remove the drain line and clean it thoroughly with a bleach and water mixture, removing the smell immediately. Next, we’ll check the drip pan. The drip pan is located near the heat exchange portion of your AC, and it’s another problem area worthy of investigation (and cleaning). In many cases, a quick cleaning can be an effective remedy when an air conditioner blows bad-smelling air.
If you smell a burning or chemical-like fume, turn your unit off and contact a company that specializes in HVAC services immediately. Burning smells are usually a sign of inactivity. If your AC has been off for some time, a burning smell is pretty common. If your unit hasn’t been off or the smell lingers, you may have a more severe problem requiring professional assistance.
Alternatively, if you smell strange chemical fumes, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. While refrigerant is necessary to keep your AC running optimally, a leak can be toxic when direct exposure occurs. Contact a professional immediately if you suspect a refrigerant leak.
If you’d like to DIY the problem, you can spray a special air conditioning coil cleaner on your unit. If you’re unsure which is best for your system, just ask us, and we’ll let you know. These foaming cleansers are a good way to soften attached residue and help when your air conditioner smells nasty. After the cleaner does its magic, a quick rinse with a hose can solve many odor-causing problems. Be sure to dry your unit thoroughly after any cleaning. Otherwise, that moisture may lead to a repeat of the stinky situation.
Improve Your Air Quality With American Weathermakers
At American Weathermakers, we are here to help you and your home with expert tune-ups, maintenance, and new equipment installation services. If you’ve been searching for superior AC unit repair near me, stop your search and call us at (847) 503-9497 to get more info about how to get the most out of your air cooling system.
