Why Does My Air Conditioning Smell?

November 23rd, 2016 by adtrak.admin

If you have noticed a strange smell developing in your property while your air conditioning is switched on, chances are there is a problem with your system. Whilst it can be easy to overlook the problem, in a commercial property it can be a very off-putting experience for both employees and visitors.

If this problem sounds familiar, it’s recommended that you use these cold winter months when your air conditioning will not be in use to fix the problem, so that your system is restored back to top working order in time for the spring/summer seasons.

Why does my air conditioning smell?

Similar to foul smelling drains, there can be several reasons why your air conditioning has started to smell, but it takes some investigating to determine the root cause.

1. Buildup of dirt on the cooling coils

The way your air conditioner operates, air will be blown directly over the cooling coils inside the unit. If these cooling coils have become dirty or there are signs of bacteria growing on them, then your air conditioning may start to smell.

As such, it’s important to ensure your air conditioning system is cleaned regularly to avoid any dirt accumulating inside the unit.

2. Issues with the filtration system

In addition to cooling the room, air conditioners are also specially designed to remove moisture and contaminants to create a fresher environment. If the filter inside your unit becomes damaged or blocked, the contaminants and excess moisture will not be removed properly, causing a lingering mildew smell to develop.

3. A deceased animal in the air vents

If you have noticed a rotten egg smell from your air conditioning system, there may be a decomposing animal stuck in the air vent. As such, it’s imperative to have your air ducts cleaned by a professional regularly to ensure any trapped birds or rodents are removed as quickly as possible.

4. Problems with the sewer system

An overflowing or backed up sewer pipe near your duct system can cause it to emit a sewage smell into your property.

5. Stagnant water inside the air conditioner

A collection of water inside your air conditioning unit which isn’t draining away properly can give off a foul stench which smells like feet. If this sounds familiar, your unit has most likely become clogged up with dirt and will require the immediate attention of a HVAC technician.

How can I fix this problem?

The longer a foul-smelling air conditioner is left unaddressed, the worse the problem will become. As such, if any of the signs and symptoms mentioned in this article sound familiar to you, it’s imperative to call in the professionals as quickly as possible before the issue escalates.

Calling upon the expertise of an air conditioning expert will ensure all work is carried out safely and all equipment is handled with the utmost care.

Airedale Cooling

With a wealth of industry experience, we can take care of all your air conditioning needs here at Airedale Cooling, from supply and installation to maintenance and repairs. To find out more information about any of our services, or to book an appointment with us, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our specialist team today.