Foul smells in your home are hard to live with. If your AC smells bad, no wonder you want to discover what’s causing it. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of a bad smell from an air conditioner.
And if it turns out you need a professional air conditioning installation in Bowie, contact us ASAP.
We can break down AC smells into two types: dangerous and annoying. The first one requires immediate action on your part. The second one makes it hard to live in your home and it will get worse with time.
Dangerous AC Smells
Dangerous AC smells include sulfur and smoke.
These are warning signs that require action beyond knowing how to get rid of a bad smell from an air conditioner.
A Gas Leak Smells Like Rotten Eggs or Dirty Diapers, But It's Much More Serious
Homes that use gas should understand the risk that comes with it. A sulfur smell indicates a gas leak. As soon as you notice it:
- Turn off the gas immediately.
- Open windows without delay while getting everyone in the house out without a minute to spare.
- Include your pets in the evacuation plans.
- Call the gas company.
- Warn people nearby.
Never Ignore Smoke or Fire Odors
Smoke and fire odors usually stem from faulty wiring. Turn the AC off the minute you smell either. If the smell continues, grab your cell phone and call 911 on the way out the door. Get everyone out of the house with the same urgency as a gas leak.
A fire sparked by an appliance like an AC can be hard to contain. It can rage into a monster blaze that is hard for firefighters to control. Don’t feel silly about calling because you’re not sure there’s a fire. You smell one. If you’re wrong, there’s no harm done. If you’re right, harm’s prevented.
Annoying AC Smells
These smells don’t cause immediate danger, but you probably need a repair. When you let repairs drag on, they can turn into replacements if you don’t fix them ASAP.
Moist AC Parts Cause Funky Smells
Moist air is often the source of many foul smells in the home. It negatively impacts AC units, too. Mold can spread to places you would never think to look for it, like your AC.
It can hide and thrive for years.
Some parts of your AC, like coils, are prone to moisture growth. Regular maintenance can prevent this. Technicians check for areas that need a good wipe-down. This is essential to keeping your AC running for a long time. This also keeps your house smelling fresh and your family healthy.
The Air Filter Has Seen Better Days
Air filters suck up lots of gross bits. Keep in mind that what blows through isn’t just dust. Look at this list of reasons your nose might wrinkle with every in-home inhalation:
- The drain line needs clearing.
- You and your pets track animal waste from outside through the house. You don’t even have to have a pet to track it in. Waste covers the ground. When you track waste inside, particles can end up stuck in your filter.
- Pet odors from the litter box or food permeate the interior, and the filter holds onto them.
- Workout sweat can fly into your air filter and that creates foul-smelling bacteria.
- Cigarette smoke clings to everything, including the filter.
Regular maintenance takes care of those dirty air filters. It stops your nose from wrinkling in disgust and makes breathing at home a joy.
Additional Advice About How To Get Rid of a Bad Smell From an Air Conditioner in Bowie
If you’re thinking of a DIY solution as an answer to how to get rid of a bad smell from an air conditioner, don’t do it.
Some people spray the AC with a pleasantly scented cleaning product. It smells better for a while. But you won’t be able to wipe away all the cleaner that permeates the unit.
Over time, that creates moisture, so you’re compounding the yuck.
Let us help you optimize your AC unit for prime condition year-round.
Contact S&L Air Conditioning And Heating in Bowie To Get Rid of a Bad Smelling Air Conditioner
Stop worrying about how to get rid of a bad smell from an air conditioner. S&L Air Conditioning in Bowie is happy to provide air duct cleaning and other maintenance tasks that keep your AC smelling fresh and running well.
Contact S&L Air Conditioning And Heating for upkeep, repairs, and installations that keep you cool. Call us at 301-450-7988 to book service in Bowie.