We all know that unpleasant smell when we turn on our air conditioner for the first time in a long time. It’s a smell that’s hard to describe, but once you’ve smelled it, you’ll never forget it. Worse, these smells can significantly affect your indoor air quality.
In fact, it’s such an issue that there are entire websites and forums devoted to discussing smelly air conditioners and how to fix them. But what causes this air conditioner smell in the first place? And more importantly, how can you get rid of it for good? Read on to find out.
Understanding Your Air Conditioner System
Before we understand why your air conditioner smells bad, it’s essential to understand how your system works. Your air conditioner has two main parts – the evaporator and the condenser. The evaporator is inside your home, while the condenser is outside.
The evaporator is responsible for drawing in warm air from your home and passing it over a set of coils. These coils are filled with a refrigerant, which absorbs the heat from the air and turns it into a gas.
This gas then travels to the condenser, where it is passed over a set of coils that are filled with coolant. This coolant absorbs the heat from the gas and turns it back into a liquid.
How Does A Typical Air Conditioner Smell Like
The refrigerant in your air conditioning system is what gives it that distinct smell. This chemical is odourless, but when it’s exposed to the air, it can produce a foul odour like rotten eggs or gas leaks. The most common culprit is Freon, which is used in most air conditioners. Freon is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), and when it breaks down, it can release various chemicals into the air, including chlorine and fluorine.
These highly reactive chemicals can cause several problems, including smog formation. They can also be dangerous to your health if inhaled in large quantities. Freon has been linked to many respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis.
So, why does your air conditioner smell bad? Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons.
Reasons Why Air Conditioner Smells
1. Mold and mildew
One of the most common causes of a foul-smelling air conditioner is mould and mildew. These fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, and your air conditioner is the perfect place for them to grow.
Mould and mildew can form on any surface in your air conditioner, but they’re most commonly found on the evaporator coils. These coils are constantly exposed to moisture, which provides the perfect conditions for mould and mildew to grow.
If you suspect mould or mildew is causing your air conditioner to smell bad, it’s important to have it professionally cleaned as soon as possible. Mould and mildew can cause several health problems, including respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma.
2. Dust and dirt
Another common cause of a bad-smelling air conditioner is dust and dirt. Over time, dust and dirt can build up on the evaporator coils, restricting airflow and making it harder for your air conditioner to cool your home.
This build-up can also create an ideal environment for mould and mildew to grow. In addition, when dust and dirt build up on the coils, they can start to decompose, producing a foul odour.
If you think that dust and dirt are causing your air conditioner to smell bad, it’s essential to have it cleaned by a professional. They’ll be able to remove the build-up without damaging the coils.
3. Bacteria and other microorganisms
Another common cause of a foul-smelling air conditioner is bacteria and other microorganisms. These organisms can thrive in your air conditioner’s warm, moist environment and release a variety of foul-smelling chemicals into the air.
In addition, some microorganisms can cause health problems if inhaled, so it’s essential to have your air conditioner professionally cleaned if you suspect that they’re the cause of the bad smell.
4. Chemical odours
Sometimes, the bad smell from your air conditioner may be due to chemicals used in the cooling process. For example, if your air conditioner uses Freon, it may release a chemical odour.
Likewise, if your air conditioner uses a different type of refrigerant, such as ammonia or chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), it may also release a chemical odour.
These odours can be dangerous to your health if inhaled in large quantities, so it’s essential to have your air conditioner professionally serviced if you notice a chemical odour coming from it.
5. Burning odours
Sometimes, the bad smell from your air conditioner may be due to a burning odour. This can be caused by various problems, including an electrical or a compressor problem.
If you notice a burning odour coming from your air conditioner, it’s important to have it professionally serviced as soon as possible. This is because a burning odour can be a sign of a serious problem that could damage your air conditioner or even cause a fire.
6. Dead Animal
Sometimes, the bad smell from your air conditioner may be due to a dead animal. This can happen if an animal gets into your air conditioner and dies.
If you think that a dead animal is causing a bad smell, it’s important to have your air conditioner professionally cleaned. A professional can remove the carcass without damaging your air conditioner.
7. Sewage
Sometimes, the bad smell from your air conditioner may be due to sewage. This can happen if sewage backs up into your air conditioner.
If you think that sewage is causing a bad smell, it’s important to have your air conditioner professionally serviced as soon as possible. Sewage can contain various harmful bacteria that can cause health problems if inhaled.
8. Smoke
In some cases, the bad smell coming from your air conditioner may be due to smoke. This can happen if a fire in your home or your air conditioner is located near a smoking area.
If you think that smoke is causing a bad smell, having your air conditioner professionally serviced as soon as possible is important. This is because smoke can contain various harmful chemicals that can be dangerous to your health if inhaled.
9. Pet odours
Sometimes, the bad smell from your air conditioner may be due to pet odours. This can happen if you have pets in your home or if your air conditioner is located near a pet-friendly area.
If you think that pet odours are causing AC smells, it’s important to have your air conditioner professionally cleaned. A professional can remove the odour-causing particles without damaging your air conditioner.
10. Food odours
Sometimes, the bad smell from your air conditioning unit may be due to food odours. This can happen if you have food in your home or your air conditioner is near a kitchen.
If you think that food odours are causing a bad smell, it’s important to have your air conditioner professionally cleaned. A professional will be able to remove the odour-causing culprit and improve your indoor air quality.
How to Deal With Smelly Air Conditioner
1. Check the Air Filter
One of the first things you should do when dealing with central air conditioner smells is to check the air filter. If the air filter is dirty, it can cause a musty smell from the vents. To clean or replace the air filter, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the air conditioner at the breaker box.
- Remove the front panel of the air conditioner unit.
- Locate the air filter. It will be located either behind the front panel or inside the blower compartment.
- Remove the air filter and inspect it. If it’s dirty, replace it with a new one. If it’s clean, replace it and reattach the front panel.
- Turn on the power to the air conditioner at the breaker box and turn on the unit.
2. Clean the Air Conditioner Unit
Another way to eliminate central air conditioner smells is to clean the unit itself. To do this, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the air conditioner at the breaker box.
- Remove any debris from around the unit. This includes leaves, twigs, and dirt.
- Use a garden hose to spray down the unit. Be sure to remove any debris from the fins and coils.
- Dry the unit with a clean towel.
- Turn on the power to the air conditioner at the breaker box and turn on the unit.
3. Clean the Air Conditioner Drain Line
If your central air conditioner smells musty, it could be because the drain line is clogged. To clean the drain line, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the air conditioner at the breaker box.
- Locate the drain line. It will be located either behind the front panel or inside the blower compartment.
- Detach the drain line from the unit and use a garden hose to flush it out.
- Reattach the drain line to the unit and turn on the power to the air conditioner at the breaker box. Turn on the unit.
4. Call a Professional
If you’ve taken all these steps and are still dealing with central air conditioner smells, it’s time to call a professional. A professional will be able to inspect your unit and ductwork to determine the source of the problem. They will also be able to recommend a course of action to get rid of the smells for good.
Conclusion
Bad smells coming from your air conditioner can be due to several different things. In most cases, the problem can be fixed with a simple cleaning. But, in some cases, you may need to call a professional for help.