Efficient Ways to Eliminate Nasty A/C Smells

The moment you turn on your air conditioner, you expect to feel it – not smell it! As an HVAC company that offers a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC/R solutions throughout North East Texas, we often hear from homeowners who complain about unpleasant smells when they use their systems.

A/C is one of the most-used home appliances, so it has to stay clean and efficient at all times. We’ve put together efficient ways that will help you get to the bottom of nasty air conditioner smells. Find out their causes and learn possible solutions that will help eliminate these odors.

Learn more about you’re A/C today, Common Air Conditioning Questions & Answers.

Identify Nasty A/C Smells

Every homeowner in Longview, TX, wants a cozy and comfortable home. From a tiring day at work, all you want to do is enjoy a well-conditioned home. But as soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with a terrible smell that ruined your mood to relax.

If you’re experiencing the same problem, then you’d better pay close attention.

Understanding what caused it is necessary before you’ll be able to eliminate the smell.  In most cases, as air circulates throughout your home, several contaminants may infiltrate your system and settle within it. This is true especially when you’re not using your A/C for days or a couple of weeks. It becomes more vulnerable to dust, dirt, mildew, and mold.

If you haven’t cleaned or replaced your air filters for a long time, it could be another potential reason for that nasty smell. Because they are exposed to different types of dirt daily, keeping them clean is always a must.

In some cases, the gaps and holes in your duct system you have ignored may be the culprit. The smell of chemical cleaners, exhaust fumes, or even stinky socks might have transported to your A/C system and leaked in your ductwork.  

We have listed some of the potential culprits of a nasty A/C smell.

Smell:                                                    Possible Reason:

Feet or Stinky Socks         An indication of sitting or stagnant water.

Rotten Eggs                         An indication of a pest problem or dead animal.

Mildew and Mold              An indication of a clogged drain line.

Sewage                                 An indication there’s a backed-up sewer line.

Exhaust                                An indication of a leaking engine fluid.

Gun Powder                        An indication of a shorted-out fan motor.

Burning                                An indication of an electrical problem.

Oil                                          An indication of an oil leak from the oil line.

Answer your doubts and speak to one of our representatives today. Just dial 903-758-6482 .

Eliminate Nasty A/C Smells

After you have identified the cause of the unpleasant smell in your A/C, then you’ll know the actions necessary to resolve the issue. Here are some guidelines to help you through the process:

Schedule System Cleaning

Just like any other home appliances, your air conditioning system must be maintained in good condition to perform at its best. Not only will it make your indoor air better and healthier, but it can also improve efficiency while cutting costs on repairs or system replacement.

Be sure to clean air filters, evaporator coils, ductwork, condensate drain, and drip pan to prevent nasty smells and contaminants from recirculating throughout your home. Schedule an appointment today.

Use High-Efficiency Filters

Less contamination means less smell. Air filters prevent contaminants from circulating in your system, but it depends on the type of filter you’re using. So, if you are still using standard disposable filters, then it’s time to make a decision and switch to high-efficiency air filters.

Filters with higher MERV ratings can capture smaller contaminants. They are also the best option to keep the balance between maintaining a smooth airflow and keeping your indoor air clean and healthy.

Install an Air Purifier

If you dream of a comfortable and hygienic home, then you should consider air purifiers. Installing a whole-home air purifier creates a cleaner indoor environment by eliminating contaminants and pollution from your home. They are proven to remove up to 99 percent of bacteria in the air, as well as remove odors emanating from cooking, cleaning, and other home activities.

Contact the Professionals

If you’ve done the cleaning and eliminated other possible odor sources, but the nasty smell remains, consider scheduling a visit from a reliable technician. However, if you suspect any leaks or electrical/mechanical issues with your system that may put you and your family in danger, then there’s no reason to wait any further. We suggest calling in the professionals to get rid of the issue for you.

Schedule a Maintenance Plan

If you think you don’t have the time to keep track of everything, then it’s time for a maintenance plan for your comfort system. Have your unit inspected by a professional technician and prevent issues from happening in the toughest moments. By having one, you will have peace of mind that you’ve done what you can to make sure your unit is ready for the seasons ahead. Learn more about What To Know About HVAC Maintenance Agreement & Why You Need It.

If you have any questions about how to eliminate nasty A/C smells from your home or if you want to speak with a professional A/C technician, kindly give us a call at 903-758-6482 or contact us. We will be happy to hear from you.

At Napps Heating and Air Conditioning, whether you need engineering designs, unit installation, repair, or maintenance of your HVAC systems, we have you covered!