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Air Conditioner has a bad smell

The air filter collects dust and other small particles near the air conditioner.
When the filter accumulates too much dirt and dust, it can produce a faint pungent odor.

Most air conditioner coils will, over time, grow mold due to the moisture that accumulates on the evaporator coil.

Bad smells in the air conditioner is usually caused by mold or bacteria. Consider buying a special air conditioner sprays that kill off moulds and bacteria making the air conditioner smell nice again.

There are sprays available from appliance parts dealers that can be used on the coils to kill the mold and freshen the coil. Spray deodorizer, disinfectant, air freshener or some other similar product into the front of the unit that could take care of the smell.

The best thing to do is to remove the front cover and filter from the unit. Once you have it is off, then easily spray the entire inside to remove the smell. Spray with a household detergent / water mixture, this will kill the mold or mildew, thereby removing the smell.

Tips on How to Remove Bad Smells from an Air Conditioner:

The air conditioner's drain can have algae or molds harboring there.

• Check to see that the air conditioner's air filter is clean. Replace it at least monthly or more frequently to see if it affects the smell in the house. Look at the outside unit to make sure it's as clear as possible of any surrounding vegetation or dirt build-up.		• Think about your home's humidity. Comfortable relative humidity is between 35 and 50 percent in a home. Does the home feel damp or clammy? Run exhaust fans that vent to the outside when showering or cooking so the damp air can leave the house rather than recalculating.

• Pour a cup of household detergent once a month into the drain that holds the air conditioner's condensation drippings. Household detergent will help keep this drain clean and clear and kill any algae or molds harboring there.		• Install an ultraviolet air treatment system in the room. These systems "zap" a high percentage of any bacteria that might be circulating through the system. Consult a heating and cooling specialist for installation.

Article by John Wesley Froberg

Article ID: 6276

Last updated: 02 Nov, 2009

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