Odor in your home can be due to a host of different things, but one common smell that homeowners report is a bad smell coming from their air conditioner unit. While there could be several causes of this, the most common reason is mold build up in your ductwork or the air conditioner itself.
Another likely cause is mildew growth in your cooling system or in the ductwork. It is common to find animals living in your air conditioner unit or the ductwork as well. Sometimes, their waste or even their carcass after they die can cause a bad smell. Whether the bad smell is due to one of these common causes or something else, you need to do something about it. Not only can it be a source of discomfort, but it can also be a health hazard.
At DeZiel Heating & AC, we have experience dealing with all kinds of bad smells coming from air conditioner units. We can help you identify the source of the smell and then take steps to remove it. In some cases, this may involve simply cleaning the unit or the ductwork. In other cases, it may require more extensive repairs or even replacement of the unit.
If you are dealing with a bad smell coming from your air conditioner unit, don’t hesitate to contact DeZiel Heating & AC for help. We will work quickly to identify the source of the problem and take steps to fix it.
How To Get Rid Of Air Conditioner Odor
One common issue that air conditioner owners face is strange smells coming from their units. As long as you have an air conditioner, there’s always the likelihood of a bit of smell emanating from it. This is especially true for those who have central air conditioners. While a little bit of smell is normal, sometimes the odor can be quite strong. If you notice a stronger than usual smell coming from your air conditioner, there are a few things you can do to try to get rid of it. Once you’re certain that your AC is the source of the odor, the next thing you need to do is identify the source of the bad smell. If you can’t figure it out on your own, you may need to call in a professional for AC maintenance.
Once you know where the odor is coming from, you can start to take steps to remove it. To find the source of the bad smell, you’ll require the following items;
- Rubber gloves
- Bucket
- New filters
- Foaming coil cleaner
- Water Bleach Fin comb
You’ll require one part bleach to three parts water mixed in the bucket to handle mold and mildew. Be sure to use a well-ventilated area and open all the windows in the room before starting this process. Turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat. Find the main power switch for your unit and turn it off as well. Turn Off Power To The Unit Safety is the number one priority when you’re dealing with any kind of electrical appliance.
Once you’ve located the main power switch, make sure that it’s turned to the “Off” position. Never engage in any air conditioner cleaning or maintenance tasks without first ensuring that the power is off.
Locate And Change The Air Filter(s)
Most air conditioners will have removable filters located either in front of or behind the return air grill. These are generally easy to spot and easy to access. Once you’ve found the filters, remove them and set them aside. Many people choose to replace their filters at this stage, but if yours are still in good condition, you can just clean them and put them back in. You should replace your air filters at most every 60 days.
If you have pets in your home or someone in your family suffers from allergies, you may need to replace them more often. Every 30 days is generally sufficient in these cases. The duty of an air conditioner filter is to remove dirt, dust, and other airborne particles from the air before they have a chance to enter your home.
Clean The Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils are one of the most common sources of bad smells in air conditioners. Over time, they can become covered in dust and dirt, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. To clean the coils, you’ll need to remove the access panel. Once you’ve done that, you can use a foaming coil cleaner agent clean them. Be sure to rinse the coils thoroughly when you’re finished.
Clean The Condensate Line
The condensate line is a small drain pipe located close to the outside unit that removes water from the air conditioner. If you find colored water or sludge dripping from the line, it’s likely the source of your bad smell. To clean it out, flush it with the bleach and water solution you prepared earlier.
Finish Up
Once you’ve finished cleaning all of the parts of your air conditioner, be sure to put everything back together properly. Make sure that all of the filters are in place and that the access panel is securely fastened. Try turning on your air conditioner unit and see if the bad smell has gone away. If it hasn’t, you may need to call a professional for further assistance. Get Help Fast If The Bad Smell Persists We hope this guide has helped you get rid of the bad smell coming from your air conditioner unit.
For more tips on keeping your AC clean and fresh-smelling, be sure to check out our other blog posts! If the bad smell persists, it’s important to get help fast. There could be a more serious issue at play, and the sooner you get it fixed, the better.
Call in the professionals AC repair technicians at DeZiel Heating & AC at (763) 200-5453 to take a look at your unit and diagnose the problem. We’ll be able to help you get rid of the bad smell and get your AC unit back up and running in no time!
