Smell that?
We often take for granted that our air conditioners pump our homes full of clean, fresh air. So, when the air stops smelling so fresh and clean, it’s understandable that you would immediately start panicking.
That said, while some bad smells coming from your smelly air conditioner could be a sign of a serious issue, some odors are simple fixes and no real cause for alarm.
If your air conditioner isn’t smelling all that fresh these days, plug your nose, take a deep breath, and try to relax. We’re here to help you get to the bottom of your stinky situation.
Here are three reasons why you may have a smelly air conditioner.
1. Mold and Mildew
One of the most common offending odors that can come out of an air conditioner, especially in more humid climates, is a musty mildew smell.
While this particular smell can come from a build-up of mold in or around your HVAC unit, several other issues could also cause it.
A mold or mildew smell can come from something simple and easy to fix. For example, not changing your air filters enough can also cause odor from an air conditioner.
Alternatively, something much more severe, like a leak, can also cause your air conditioner to smell like mold.
2. Something Died
It’s one of the more unpleasant causes of a smelly air conditioner, but something that does happen from time to time, and every homeowner should be ready to take care of just in case.
If your air conditioner smells like something crawled up in it and died, that’s probably exactly what happened.
Small rodents, and even birds, have a knack for getting into places they don’t need to be and getting themselves stuck.
Fortunately, while this problem is pretty gross, it’s one of the more simple fixes on this list. All you need to do is find and remove the poor critter from the system.
Although you could probably find and extract the little offender by yourself, you may want to consider bringing in a professional anyway, as they’ll have the equipment and expertise to deal with clean up afterward.
3. Stagnant Water
You could attribute the smell of dirty socks in your home to a gym bag that desperately needs emptying. But, it’s harder to blame old sneakers when the odor permeates your entire house.
If there’s a telltale smell of dirty socks or stinky feet in your home, that could be a sign that there’s a build-up of stagnant water in your HVAC unit.
Whether the build-up came from dirty evaporator coils or a clog in the drainage pan, you’re going to need to bring in a professional technician who knows how to clean a smelly air conditioner to help you deal with stagnant water.
Check out https://larsenheatingandair.com/services/air-conditioning-repair/ for more information.
What’s Causing Your Smelly Air Conditioner?
Now that you know a little bit more about what could cause a smelly air conditioner, it’s time to uncover your nose and get sniffing.
Whether your problem is a simple fix or something much more severe, one of the best ways to prevent a smelly air conditioner in the future is by keeping up with regular HVAC maintenance.
Are you looking for more advice on how to keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape? We’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles and advice today!
