When you switch on your air conditioner, you expect a stream of cool, fresh air. But if your air conditioner is beginning to smell bad whenever you turn it on, then something is wrong. The first thing to do is to identify the type of odor. Air conditioners give off odors for many reasons. If your air conditioner is stinking out your home, one of the following issues is likely to blame.
1. Stagnant water
Every air conditioner contains a vital component called a drip pan. The drip pan collects the moisture that drips from the evaporator coils. This water then drains away via the drainpipe. But if your home smells of stagnant water, like sewage or mold, then your drip pan could be full of stagnant water.
2. Electrical problem
As with all electrical appliances, air conditioners sometimes suffer electrical issues too. One of the earliest signs of this is a burning, electrical smell emanating from your air conditioner when you turn it on. This could be due to a number of things, like damaged wiring. It could also be due to burning dust. Give your air conditioner half an hour. If the smell persists, call an HVAC expert immediately.
3. Cigarettes
If someone smokes in your house while your air conditioner is running, the smell may enter your air conditioner and contaminate the evaporator coil. This will cause a cigarette smell to permeate your home every time you turn on your air conditioner. You'll need to hire an HVAC professional to clean your air conditioner to get rid of the smell.
4. Dead critters
Unfortunately, critters like pigeons and rodents sometimes nest inside and around air conditioner units. If one dies while nesting, it won't be long until your home begins to smell of decomposition. In this case, an air conditioning service can clean your air conditioner and its unit to remove any contaminants that might harm your health.
5. Mold and mildew
The evaporator coils, drain pan, and drain line are all exposed to moisture. If the system suffers a blockage, then that moisture and cool air are trapped inside your AC. This creates the ideal conditions for mold and mildew. Not only do mold and mildew smell bad, but they cause breathing issues for allergy and asthma sufferers. If you smell mold, your AC needs to be professionally cleaned.
Is your air conditioner giving off a foul odor? Then you probably need to contact air conditioning services.
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