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.
