After a long period of time without use, mold and bacteria can build up on your evaporator coil or other areas of your air conditioner's HVAC system. Your air filters are your first line of defense against mold and bacteria build-up. If the smell doesn't go away, you should first clean or replace your filters.
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.
Remove excess dust using a clean, dry dusting cloth. If you can't see anything shining through after cleaning, buy new filters and replace them. Test the system by running it to see if it's functioning correctly and if the musty smell is gone. If the smell persists, contact a professional for help.
It's because the a/c collects water from the air while running and creates condensation on the coil and compressor. So by shutting off the air conditioner and just letting the air blow with ac off it dries it up and prevents water from sitting around and becoming stinky/moldy.
Clogged Drain Line: AC units have a condensate drain line that removes excess moisture. If this line is clogged, water can back up and create a musty smell that resembles sewage.
The smell of raw sewage coming from an AC vent is never a good sign. It usually indicates a backed-up sewer line or ruptured sewer vent pipe somewhere near the ductwork. All it takes is a bit of methane from the backup to fill your house with a nasty smell.
Identifying a Dry P-Trap
Here are the signs to look out for: Persistent sewer gas odours near sinks or floor drains. Drains that gurgle or make unusual sounds. Infrequently used fixtures, such as guest bathrooms or utility sinks, are familiar places for dry P-traps.
Evaporator coils remove heat from the air, so they are a vital part of any air conditioning unit. However, over time mould can accumulate on and around evaporator coils, resulting in a mouldy smell coming from your air conditioner.
“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.
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.
Experts advise having your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start. However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average.
The distinctive earthy smell emits a pungent odor that resembles old books or wet dirt. Other than the musty smell from A/C systems, other common odors to look out for that indicate issues include: Burning: A burning smell or gunpowder odor indicates an electrical or mechanical problem.
Sudden increase in humidity. The coil gets wet from condensation but when the compressor is running the air is cold so it's ability to absorb water is very low. When the compressor turns off the air heats back up, absorbs the water from the coil and blows the humid air out of the vents.
Locate the white plastic pipe that leads outside, then check for any blockages like debris or ice. Defrost ice with warm water, not boiling, and use a rod or wire to push through the obstruction. If that doesn't work, call a pro with specialist equipment.
Repeating the vinegar cleaning process once every month will keep your AC drain line in great condition. The cleaning process is exceptionally effective at removing unwanted bacteria and fungi, allowing your AC to run efficiently. Call (702) 944-8838 Today or Book Online for Heating and Cooling Service!
If your AC smells musty, empty your drain pan or check your drain line for clogs. Next, check your air filter for signs of mold and change it if necessary. Clean off your evaporator coil, keeping it clear of dirt, bacteria, and other grime.
HVAC systems use filters to remove fine particulates from the air. Over time, the impurities taken out of the air accumulate on an air filter, reducing airflow. When this happens, the material caught in the vent may start to decay and give off odors.
To eliminate odors coming from a dry p-trap, pour half a gallon of water into the trap to restore the barrier. It will prevent the odors from seeping through the drain. Another helpful method is to add a cup of white vinegar bleach to get rid of larvae and slow down the evaporation.
A blocked p-trap will cause water backflow to occur. The first sign that your p-trap is clogged is when the water in your sink takes longer than average to flow down the sink.
Pour some baking soda down your drain and then pour boiling water down after. Sometimes this will clear the clog. Use a plunger on your sink drain to try to force the clog out of the trap.