Your air conditioner's filters naturally catch dirt, dust, and debris from the air. If they become blocked, mould can grow in the vents and ducts around them. Cleaning or replacing your air conditioner filters can often solve the issue.
Use Baking Soda in Your Ductwork
If the AC smells bad and the odors are coming from inside the ducts, you may have to put the baking soda inside the ductwork for maximum effectiveness.
To make your air conditioner stop smelling bad, clean or replace the air filters, ensure the condensate drain is unclogged, and clean the evaporator coils. Check for mold or mildew inside the unit and use a disinfectant spray designed for AC systems. Regular maintenance helps prevent odors from developing.
If you are wondering what to put in the bags, consider lavender blossoms, cloves, sandalwood paste, or rose blossoms. Try mixing up scents until you have something that appeals to you. Your AC unit can help disperse revitalizing lemons scents around the house.
If your air conditioner smells musty, take action to solve the odor immediately. Mold inside the HVAC system impacts indoor air quality, and it can spread and grow in other areas of the home as well as cause health issues or increased allergy symptoms due to breathing indoor air heavy with spores.
If there's a strange or chemical-like smell coming from your air conditioning, it's a sign there's a problem such as a refrigerant leak, mold, or household chemicals getting drawn into the air handler.
100%, yes. Air ducts are the main component of your house that pull the air in and out of rooms. This means that dirt and grime, along with pet dander, smoke, mold, and mildew, can all produce smells that circulate through your vents.
If you smell exhaust fumes from your AC unit, it may mean there is fluid in your unit leaking into the motor or another warm part of the system. If you suspect fluid is leaking in your unit, turn the unit off and call an HVAC professional.
“Dirty Sock Syndrome” refers to when a foul-smelling, mold- or mildew-like odor comes from your air conditioner when you first turn it on. This happens when moisture, dust, and dirt build up on your AC system's evaporator coil, inviting bacteria and mold to multiply.
The AC drain pan is located in the indoor unit, underneath the evaporator coils, usually on the same side as the air intake. There is a fixed drain pan under the coils and an overflow drain pan below that.
Clean or replace the air filter: A dirty air filter can trap dust and debris, leading to musty smells. Regular cleaning or replacement is crucial. Clean the evaporator and condenser coils: These coils can accumulate dirt and mould, which can cause unpleasant odours. Use a coil cleaner to remove these contaminants.
Common Causes of Musty Smells from AC Vents
Mold and Mildew: One of the most common culprits behind musty smells is mold and mildew growth within the AC system. Moisture from condensation can accumulate in various parts of the system, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold.
What is formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is a colorless chemical with a strong pickle-like odor that is commonly used in many manufacturing processes. It easily becomes a gas at room temperature, which makes it part of a larger group of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Just like any other HVAC system, air ducts require regular maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency. As a general rule of thumb, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years.
A Strong Musty or Mildew-Like Scent
If mold is present in your home, you may notice a strong musty or mildew-like scent when your air conditioner or heater begins to run. This smell is often stronger near the vent where the mold is growing. You might smell this scent only in one room or one part of the home.
A weird smell in a house can come from numerous sources, including appliances, furniture, carpets, fabrics or issues like mold or mildew. Occasionally, odors may be caused by sewer gas, natural gas leaks or animals that have died between walls, in attics or under decks.
If the drain line gets blocked, you may experience reduced cooling efficiency, water leakage, frozen coils, Mold and mildew growth, and even a shutdown of your entire air conditioning system.
All right, so in summary, don't use bleach; use vinegar. That helps with any mildew growth—keeps you running clean. It's not going to actually clean your A/C drain, but it can prevent some backups.