Just imagine coming home from a long day at work, you are tired and sweaty. You enter the home, take off your shoes, and switch on the air conditioner. But, there’s something off about it. A foul odor pervades the room, forcing you to switch off the air conditioning (AC). You might be wondering why your air conditioner smells so bad. Is this implying that you’re wasting money on energy? It’s never a positive sign when your air conditioner smells bad, and it’s certainly not good for your health. So, it’s imperative that you search for ways to clean your AC.

Much worse, certain odors are poisonous and necessitate immediate treatment. The air conditioning unit in your home is one of the most frequently used appliances. Therefore, when it breaks down, it’s inconvenient and unpleasant. There are numerous reasons why the AC is spreading that bad smell. 

If you read the 6 common air conditioning smells and what they mean, it gives you an idea of where to begin. The first and foremost step is to identify the smell. Normally it would be among the six common reasons and if not then do not worry, you just need to find it out. From there you can start your process of getting rid of the smell. To that end, here are six useful tips for ways to clean your AC.

Neutralize Unpleasant Odors • 6 Ways to Clean Your AC

6 Interesting Ways to Clean Your AC

1. Electrical odor.

Electrical odors normally require maintenance and specialists. It is also a sign to get a maintenance check to see if there are any burning cords. Trying to fix them yourself may not work out well, and can lead to injuries. So if you smell something burning then it’s probably to do with the electrical lines and it’s better to leave it to the professionals.

2. Gunpowder smell.

Replacing a blower fan that burns out in an air conditioner is one way to get rid of a gunpowder odor. A gunpowder odor can also emanate from an air conditioner that is on after a long period of inactivity. In this instance, it is usually due to a short circuit in the electrical board. To get rid of the odor, you can also keep your unit running properly. Also, to avoid any risk, you can opt to hire an HVAC contractor to fix the problem.

3. Rotten egg smell.

Now, this is the craziest one, but if you get a rotten egg smell, it’s not rotten eggs. If your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs, there’s a fair chance an animal has died after getting into the machine or HVAC system. This most likely occurred during the winter when the air conditioner was turned off.

However, do not attempt to remove the dead carcass by yourself. Many dead animals carry diseases or pose other health risks to humans, making their removal potentially harmful to your health.

Additionally, the rotten egg smell may also be due to sulfurous gas which is due to a gas leak. This is a great health hazard, and you must call a professional.

4. Exhaust type fumes.

Many people experience confusion about the source of this odor. Interestingly, fluids in the engine and other parts of your air conditioner can leak out and cause this exhaust fume odor. So, the scent of gas burning may be harmless but trigger serious concern.

Another good point is that dust settling in the heat exchanger HVAC device may have an odor similar to gas being burned off. However, knowing the source of the smell is crucial in determining if you have a serious problem that requires professional assistance.

5. The smell of mold and mildew.

If you detect a moldy odor, mildew or fungus is developing in or around your air conditioner. This makes sense because, in addition to cooling your house, air conditioners eliminate excess moisture. Mold can easily grow in places where moisture isn’t able to drain properly. In addition, dirty filters will emit a mildew odor.

6. Getting rid of a musty smell.

If you are allergic then the musty smell coming off your AC is a serious concern as it causes allergies to flare up. But, it is pretty easy to clean it by yourself, you just need to cover your face well from the dust.

First, carefully remove the outer case that exposes the fans, coil, and compressor. Next, move the unit to a place where it remains secure during the cleaning process. Then perform the following tasks:

  1. Blow compressed air from a distance to ensure that internal components do not get damaged.
  2. Clean the larger dust and dirt in the front and back of the device with a cleaner or a smaller sheet of fabric.
  3. Thoroughly scrub the vent and duct with a cleaning agent, then clean with water to clear any residue.
  4. Flush the drip tray to remove all dust and debris, but don’t use too much pressure.
  5. Allow the air conditioner to dry for a few hours before wiping it down with a clean cloth.
  6. Then, simply reassemble the device after it dries completely.

In conclusion.

Use these tips to keep your ACs clean and make sure no other smell comes from it other than fresh air. Of course, you can ensure this by scheduling regular maintenance with a professional AC service company. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments below. Also below are links to take you to more fantastic articles about ALL things DESIGN for your home or business.

Images Courtesy of Canva.

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About the Author: Ashley Edwards