The majority of us install air conditioners to help us feel relaxed in our homes. But when you start to observe unpleasant odors coming from your cooling system, it’s more than just bothersome. It can greatly affect your home comfort.
Where are these smells coming from?
Start with what the odor smells like. If the odor resembles a rotten egg, this could be a sign of a gas leak. If this is the case, you should open your windows, turn off the gas supply, evacuate the home and reach out to the gas company. Allow the gas company turn it back on for you. It’s not something you want to tackle yourself.
If it doesn’t smell like rotten eggs, you are likely experiencing a different problem.
Just like anything in your indoor space, if your air conditioner isn’t cleaned correctly or taken care of, there’s a good chance that dirt and dust will gather. And because components of your air conditioner aren’t clearly displayed before you, cleaning them can often go overlooked.
Buildup of mold, dirt and other particles is one of the most frequent reasons you’ll notice odors with air conditioners. It can take place with the coils, drain pain, air ducts or even your filter. Luckily, ongoing maintenance can help avoid this buildup and reduce the chances that an unfriendly smell starts dispersing throughout your home.
Heat and moisture can contribute to increased mold growth, especially in warmer climates. Not only can mold and mildew develop a nasty smell, but it can also negatively impact the quality of air in your home.
It’s also possible that a small animal navigated into your duct system and died. You can turn off your air conditioner and either give our team or pest control a call to come and retrieve the animal.
Where do I start?
Analyze your filter. This is a common culprit for air conditioner odors. If it’s been a long time since you’ve swapped your air filter, try replacing it with a brand new one. We typically advise changing your filter every three months. But it’s also key to keep in mind other elements that would require you to replace it more frequently, such as pets in the home or if a family member has allergies or asthma.
If you’ve replaced the filter and it’s not reducing the smell, it’s probably time to contact a professional. Especially if it’s been an long period of time since your last air conditioning checkup. They can review the situation to see if a thorough cleaning can do the job. You might consider having your air ducts cleaned. Professional duct cleaners can take a look to see if your indoor air quality would be enhanced from a proper cleaning.
If you have concerns about the odors in your home, Brandywine Heating & Air can help you review the situation and discuss possible solutions. You should be able to enjoy your cool indoor space in the warmer summer months, without having to suffer with unwanted odors. You can book an appointment with our team online or give us a shout at 302-261-3596.