4 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning Smells Bad

It happens more than you think. Your AC starts up, and before long, you notice the air in your home or business just smells bad. Sometimes it’s musty, sometimes it’s like something’s burning, sometimes it’s just plain gross. No one wants to have to deal with that in their home. For businesses, smelly AC is not just unwanted, it can turn customers off enough that they don’t want to come back. It’s a liability and a risk to your reputation.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the common reasons why your air conditioning system might smell, potential causes, and some things you can do about it.

The Most Likely Causes

There are a few common scenarios that produce bad smells during operation. Here are a few of the most likely causes:

• Burning smells: These concerning odors may happen when the system overheats. Restricted airflow, like when there’s a dirty air filter, might be the culprit.
• Musty smells: Mold and mildew are likely the issue. This may be the most common AC odor people experience. If excess water, produced as a byproduct of AC operation, doesn’t drain properly. This can allow for mildew, bacteria, or other toxic growths. If left unaddressed, this can also create health hazards.
• Rotten egg smells: Sulfur-like odors usually indicate a gas leak. Exit the building immediately and contact a professional to inspect your system for the cause.
• Dead animals: No matter where you are, you’re in nature. It’s not uncommon for animals to get into your HVAC system and get injured and trapped. The smell usually becomes noticeable pretty quickly.

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4 DIY Tips To Solve Smelly AC

The good news is that when you have an air conditioning system that smells, it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are several things you can do to eliminate the problem, including:

• Replace filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Clean evaporator coils twice yearly if you’re using the system for heat and AC.
• Clean condenser coils twice yearly. This step improves performance, extends the life of the unit, and increases efficiency.
• Clean the drip tray.

When To Call a Professional in Middle Georgia

If you’ve tried these do-it-yourself methods and still experience the problem, or if you suspect a bigger problem, call a professional. The experts at Conditioned Air have helped business owners and residents throughout Middle Georgia with AC challenges since 1938. Our NATE-certified technicians have extensive experience and comprehensive training in dealing with HVAC issues of all kinds every day. With over 80 years in business, we’ve built a reputation for superior workmanship, great customer service, and results that last. Our repair teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help with the toughest AC problems.

Request commercial HVAC service in or around Macon by calling or contacting the experts at Conditioned Air online.