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Air conditioners are a modern luxury many cannot afford to live without in this day and age. This is even more so in places where the scorching heat of summer is unbearable.
These appliances are used for cooling our homes, making them a comfortable refuge from the relentless sun. However, what happens when your beloved air conditioning unit emits unpleasant and strange odours?
Such a thing can be pretty puzzling and concerning. In this article, we're going to unravel the mystery lurking behind these unexpected and usually unpleasant smells that are occasionally experienced by your ducted air conditioning system.
What are the common types of aircon smells?
When an air conditioner smells bad, it can be caused by anything from mildly unpleasant to downright offensive. Get to know the different odours you might encounter and their likely causes.
Such smells can include:
- The dreaded rotten egg smell.
- Musty and damp odours.
- Pungent and foul scents can quickly spread and fill up any room in no time.
Note: Most people are left confused about why such smells would emanate from a machine that is supposed to make their indoor environment feel fresher.
The rotten egg odour
The smell of rotten eggs is popularly regarded as the most offensive in this situation. If you detect that your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs, it could result from natural gas leaks. This is not a common occurrence, but if it occurs, it requires immediate attention.
The reason is the leaking natural gas causing the smell is highly flammable and poses serious safety risks. Once you suspect a gas leak, you must turn off your gas supply, evacuate your property, and get in touch with your gas company or emergency services immediately.
Musty and damp smells
Musty odours have been observed as a common issue in many air conditioning systems, and their occurrence often indicates the presence of mould and mildew.
Mould and mildew need damp, dark environments to thrive, and the insides of your aircon are a perfect breeding ground. These microorganisms not only create an unpleasant smell but can also cause adverse effects on your health.
Musty odours, often linked to mould and mildew growth, are among the most prevalent aircon odours. Their unpleasant scents can indicate that your air conditioning system needs attention. However, you may still be left wondering what causes musty odours and how you can address them effectively.
Mould and mildew are the usual culprits behind musty smells in air conditioners. These microorganisms thrive in dark and damp conditions, and if left unchecked, they can proliferate within your air conditioning unit, ducts, or evaporator coils.
These areas provide a perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow, as condensation and humidity levels are often raised. To address this issue, consider scheduling a professional air conditioning cleaning.
Rest assured that professionals will not only clean the visible parts of the system, but they will do more than that. They will take a deeper look into the ductwork and the hidden corners of the unit where mould and mildew may be thriving. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent these smells from taking over your home.
Pungent and foul scents
You can find foul or pungent odours particularly distressing, and their sources can vary. These odours can come from burnt wire insulation, a dead animal hidden within the unit or ducts, or other obscure sources. It is necessary to identify the source of the smell for it to be effectively eliminated and restore fresh air to your living space.
Identifying the sources of AC odours
You must pinpoint the source if your air conditioner smells bad or gives off a pungent or foul odour. Choosing to ignore these odours can lead to more severe issues. Here are some familiar sources of such odours:
Foreign objects or pests
Sometimes, the source of the foul odour from your air conditioner can be something as simple as a foreign object, such as a piece of debris or a child's toy lodged within the unit or ducts.
Moreover, pests such as rodents or insects can die while hiding in your aircon, leaving behind unpleasant smells and potentially causing damage. Once you observe such an odour, you should know it is time to inspect your air conditioning unit.
Take some time to examine the unit's interior for any foreign objects. In case you find out that the source is pest-related, it's advisable to contact pest control services to help you get rid of the intruders and their nests safely. In a severe infestation, you may need to replace specific unit components.
Burnt wire insulation
Anyone should find the smell of burnt wire insulation quite problematic, and so should you. Electrical issues that can produce this scent can include overheated or damaged wires. It's crucial to turn off the air conditioning unit and disconnect the power supply where this happens.
The situation can pose serious fire hazards if you continue to run the unit in this state. Consulting a professional electrician to inspect and repair any electrical issues is strongly recommended.
Dead animals
An unusual but not impossible source of foul aircon odours is dead animals in the ducts of an aircon system. Animals, especially rodents, can sometimes find their way into your unit while trying to hide, seek shelter or find warmth.
Unfortunately, they may meet their demise inside, leading to a distressing smell. When this type of situation occurs, professional assistance is often required to safely and effectively eliminate the issue.
Cleaning and maintenance tips
You should be able to find the prevention of aircon odours more straightforward than dealing with them once they have taken hold. Routinely cleaning and maintaining your air conditioning unit allows you to be assured of keeping your indoor air fresh and pleasant.
Replacing or cleaning the filters is regarded as one of the most critical maintenance tasks recommended by the manufacturer—filters work by fulfilling the significant role of trapping dust and debris.
This prevents the trapped materials from circulating in your home and potentially causing odours. Over time, filters can become clogged, reducing their effectiveness. This situation can lead to musty or unpleasant smells.
You need to clean or replace filters every 1 to 3 months or as may be specified in your unit's user manual. This simple step can prevent dust and debris buildup, possibly leading to foul-smelling air.
What are the health implications of air con smell?
Unpleasant air conditioner smells are not just an issue of discomfort. There are many health implications involved as well. Mould spores and bacteria, usually the source of these odours, can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
This is especially seen in individuals with pre-existing conditions. Ensuring your indoor air is clean and fresh can improve the well-being of a home's occupants. This confirms that odour control is not just a matter of convenience but also a health consideration.
Addressing air con odours promptly is essential to prevent health issues and ensure that your house remains a safe, comfortable, and habitable environment for both you and your family.
Choosing the right air conditioning system
If you are seriously concerned about aircon odours, consider using split systems instead of traditional ducted air conditioning. Split systems are more compact and easier to maintain. They are less prone to odours because they have fewer components, making them a convenient choice for odour-conscious individuals.
Hire professionals for AC inspection and servicing
Several homeowners can perform basic maintenance tasks, but specific aircon odour problems require professionals' expertise. A technician can thoroughly inspect your ducted air conditioning system, identify issues, and provide effective solutions. Moreover, professional servicing can extend the lifespan of your unit and improve its energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run.