Monday 25 September 2017

AC smells and what they mean?

Sometimes your air conditioner may emit the most unusual smells, refraining you from running the system to prevent the whole house from stinking. Here are a few common AC smells and their meaning.

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Stinky feet

When stagnant water sits inside a clogged drain pan, it can create smell similar to stinky feet. While the smell is not a health hazard it does make one very uncomfortable. Moreover, standing water can quickly cause mold growth. Begin by unclogging the drain pan and replacing the filter. It is a good idea to call a professional if you are having a hard time locating the problem.

Musty Odor

If your house begins to smell musty, this could indicate towards mildew or mold growing somewhere inside the air conditioning. This should not come as a surprise as AC units get rid of excess moisture from the air as they cool. The process of dehumidification causes the water to amass on the evaporator coils and it begins to drip inside the drain pan. In case the water does not drain away or evaporate, mold starts growing in merely 24 to 48 hours leading to the musty odor.

It is best to replace the air filter to make sure the drain pan remains empty.

Rotting Garbage

A rodent or a small bird can easily get into air ducts. If by chance the animal gets stuck inside, it may die and start decomposing. Then, whenever you turn on the AC, it will blow in the smell of rotting garbage. While the thought may make you nauseous, a dead animal is not dangerous. Still, you should undoubtedly call up a professional to remove the remains and clean up the ductwork.

Smell of Vinegar

Does the house air conditioner emit smell similar to that of vinegar? The smell may go away if you shut off the AC and may come back if you start the machine. The scenario perfectly describes a motor releasing ozone. The strong vinegar odor is harmless but if you have allergies, consider calling a professional.

Old Tobacco
Stale tobacco smoke that comes out of an AC vent is very unpleasant, but the odor simply means the air filter and condenser coil have soaked up old cigarette smoke. In case you smoke heavily, it is a good idea to schedule regular AC maintenance to prevent the residue of smoke on the coils from causing problems.

An air filter replacement and good cleaning are normally all you have to do to eliminate old tobacco smoke from the AC vents.

If you are looking for the best way to get rid of awkward smells from your AC then it is best to hire a professional HVAC maintenance provider. The provider can answer all your questions and perform the required repairs and cleaning to make your house smell better while the air conditioner is running.