What’s That Smell? Uncovering the Causes of Air Conditioner Odors
Have you ever been sitting in your living room or office, enjoying the cool breeze of your air conditioner, when all of a sudden, a strange odor wafts through the air? If so, you’re not alone! Air conditioners are notorious for producing strange smells that can leave us wondering “why does my a/c smell?”
Wolfer’s Home Services is going to take an in-depth dive into uncovering the real cause of those pesky odors and offer possible solutions on how to get rid of them. So, if your AC smells bad when turned on, read on to learn more about what could be causing it and how to fix it.
Buildup of Dirt and Debris
The most common cause of an air conditioner odor is a buildup of dirt and debris inside the unit. Over time, your air filter becomes clogged with dust, pollen, pet fur, and other particles that can get stuck in the ventilation system. As these particles build up in the filter, they start to decompose which can cause a musty smell that becomes noticeable when the AC is running.
Mold Growth
The second most common cause of unpleasant odors coming from your air conditioner is bacteria and mold growth. The condensate pan inside your AC can harbor water which, if left uncleaned for long periods of time, can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can lead to an “earthy” or “fishy” smell that is difficult to get rid of.
Refrigerant Leak
The final cause of air conditioner odors is a refrigerant leak. If your AC unit contains refrigerants like Freon, these can start to leak from the system which creates a sweet or chemical-like odor that can be quite strong. Refrigerant leaks are very serious as they can pose a health risk to you and your family. If you detect this particular smell, it’s best to shut off the unit and call an HVAC technician for assistance.
How to Fix a Smelly Air Conditioner
Now that you know what could be causing those unpleasant smells from your AC unit, it’s time to move on to how to get rid of them!
Step 1: Change Your Air Filters
The first step is to regularly change or clean your air filters. This will help reduce the buildup of dirt and debris that can lead to those musty odors. If you have a self-cleaning AC unit, make sure it’s running properly so that it can effectively keep your filter clean and free from dust.
Step 2: Clean the Condensate Pan
Next, make sure you’re keeping the condensate pan clean. This should be done regularly to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which can lead to those unpleasant odors. If there is too much water in the pan, it’s best to call an HVAC technician so they can come out and check for any potential leaks or other issues that could be causing the problem.
Step 3: Contact a Professional
Finally, if you detect a chemical-like smell from your air conditioner, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. In this case, immediately shut off the unit and contact an HVAC technician to determine the source of the leak and fix any potential problems.
Air Conditioner Services in Oregon
No one likes having strange odors coming from their air conditioner, but by understanding the causes of these odors and taking the necessary steps to prevent them, we can all enjoy the cool breeze without having to worry about mysterious smells! If you have any questions or need AC repair in Salem, OR, don’t hesitate to contact Wolfer’s Home Services.