We install air conditioners to help us feel cool in our homes. But when you start to observe unpleasant odors coming from your cooling system, it’s more than just irritating. It can greatly influence your home comfort.
Where do bad AC smells come from?
Begin with what the odor smells like. If the odor resembles a rotten egg, this could be an indication of a gas leak. If this is the case, you should open your windows, turn off the gas supply, evacuate the home and reach out to the gas company. Be sure to have the gas company turn it back on for you. It’s not something you want to risk doing on your own.
If it doesn’t smell like rotten eggs, you are likely experiencing a different issue.
Just like anything in your home, if your air conditioner isn’t cleaned properly or taken care of, there’s a good chance that dirt and dust will gather. And because components of your air conditioner aren’t clearly displayed before you, cleaning them can often go overlooked.
Buildup of mold, dirt and other particles is one of the more typical culprits of odor with air conditioners. It can take place with the coils, drain pain, air ducts or even your filter. However, routine maintenance can help decrease this buildup and reduce the chances that an unfriendly smell starts diffusing throughout your space.
Heat and moisture can contribute to increased mold growth, particularly in warmer climates. Not only can mold and mildew develop a nasty smell, but it can also negatively impact the quality of air in your house.
It’s also possible that a tiny creature navigated into your duct system and died. You can turn off your air conditioner and either give our team or pest control a call to come and remove the animal.
What should you do?
Assess your filter. This is a common culprit for air conditioner odors. If it’s been a long time since you’ve exchanged your air filter, replace it with a brand new one. We typically recommend changing your filter every two to three months. But it’s also key to keep in mind other elements that would require you to replace it more often, such as pets in the home or if a family member has allergies or asthma.
If you’ve replaced the filter and it’s not helping, it’s probably time to contact a professional. Especially if it’s been an extended period of time since your last air conditioning examination. Technicians can examine the situation to see if a thorough cleaning can do the job. You could consider having your air ducts cleaned. Professional duct cleaners can take a look to see if your indoor air quality would be enhanced from a proper cleaning.
If you have concerns about the odors in your home, Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. can help you review the situation and chat about possible solutions. You should be able to enjoy your cool indoor space throughout the warmer summer months, without having to suffer with unwanted odors. You can book an appointment with our experts online or give us a shout at 863-216-2923.