Is your air conditioner emitting unpleasant odors? Foul AC smells can quickly make the air in your home feel stale and unhealthy.
Learn some of the common causes of air conditioner odors and how to banish them for good.
What causes bad air conditioner smells
Several issues can cause a stinky AC unit:
- Mold and mildew growth inside the cold, damp system
- Dust, pet dander and debris building up in the unit
- Burnt odors from an overheated AC motor
- Refrigerant leaks releasing smelly gas
If you notice odd or unpleasant smells when you turn on your AC, one of these issues is likely the culprit.
Four tips to eliminate air conditioner odors
Get rid of smelly AC air with these handy troubleshooting tips:
- Change AC filters regularly
Clogged, dirty filters let more contaminants inside your system to grow mold and bacteria. Swap out filters every three months to stop this buildup. Upgrade to a MERV 11 or 13 filter for better particle filtration.
- Clean the condensate drain line
Your AC’s drainage system easily gets clogged with sludge. Pour 1 cup of vinegar down the line monthly to clean it and kill mold and algae.
- Disinfect the evaporator coils
Use an HVAC cleaning spray to kill mold, mildew and bacteria on these coils. Turn off the AC first, then spray the solution and rinse well after 5-10 minutes.
- Call HVAC 911
For severe or persistent smells, contact HVAC 911 for a referral to one of our network of HVAC contractors. Their HVAC service technicians can deep clean your whole system, fix refrigerant leaks, repair damage and replace worn parts.
Prevent future AC odors
To stop smelly AC issues down the road:
- Change air filters regularly
- Call HVAC 911 for a referral to a contractor who can deep clean your system annually
- Ensure drainage lines stay clear
- Seal refrigerant lines to stop leaks
- Replace old AC units
Call HVAC 911 today
There is no reason to live with foul odors coming from your cooling system. An HVAC 911-affiliated contractor can diagnose your AC issues and refresh your indoor air. Contact HVAC 911 today to be referred to an expert in your area!
HVAC 911 is a referral service affiliated with the best local licensed, bonded and insured contractors in the area. They employ highly qualified HVAC service technicians who receive over 10,000 hours of training and undergo rigorous background checks.
