If you prefer to spend time indoors, making your home comfortable is likely one of your top priorities. Sadly, your property can turn into an undesirable space once an unappealing odor starts emanating from your air conditioning (AC) unit.
You don’t want to arrive home after a long day only to be greeted by an unpleasant smell in the air. If your AC unit is the source of the problem, the contributing factors would depend on the type of odor present.
Among the AC odors you’ll encounter, the one similar to dirty socks or feet coming from your air conditioning unit is quite common and can make it impossible to stay in the affected area. The root cause of that smell is standing water that wasn’t able to drain correctly. When moisture lingers, it allows dust, debris, and dirt to accumulate in the evaporator coils, providing a suitable environment for mould and bacteria to multiply, producing an undesirable odour over time.
Here are several valuable tips to keep your air conditioning unit smelling fresh at all times:
1. Clean The Filters
The filters of your AC unit require regular cleaning since they’re prone to dust, dirt, and allergen particles that can eventually build up. When you have dirty filters, dust and debris will go along with the air flowing through them. This poses a health hazard for family members with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Cleaning the filters will ensure that your AC will produce fresh air.
You should carry out the maintenance of your unit at least every six months if possible. If you wait for annual maintenance, any problems in the AC system will likely worsen.
2. Keep The Condenser Coils And Water Pan Clean
Once you detect a mouldy scent coming from your air conditioning unit, it’s likely due to the presence of mould and mildew within or around it. The reason for this is that air conditioners eliminate excess moisture from your home aside from cooling it. If the moisture can’t properly drain, mould will readily grow in areas with leftover moisture. Additionally, if the filters are dirty, they’ll give off the undesirable odour of mould and mildew.
With that in mind, it’s essential to clean the condenser coils and water pan regularly. You can utilise a soft-bristled brush with any household cleaner you have to get rid of any dust, dirt, or debris. Take extra care to avoid bending the coil fins. As for the water pan or base of the AC unit, you can use a solution of white vinegar and warm water for cleaning to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
3. Maintain The Right Humidity Level
Keeping your air conditioner clean should be one of your priorities to ensure a comfortable environment and generate fresh air for your home. But even if you keep your unit clean, humidity is one of the main culprits for mould growth that result in undesirable odours.
The interior of your air conditioner ends up with condensed water if there are excessive amounts of water in the air. The lingering water will allow mould and mildew to develop in no time.
Maintaining the right level of humidity in your home during the summer can prevent this. You can also try out other ways to maintain a minimal level of humidity indoors, such as:
- Opening the windows while taking a bath or showering to allow moisture to escape outdoors
- Using a dehumidifier
- Avoiding drying clothes indoors
4. Clean The Ductwork
Both mould and bacteria can build up in the ductwork, especially in the corners and joints with small gaps or when the airflow isn’t steady.
The undesirable odour in your AC unit can worsen if you have poor filtration. When there’s airflow blockage or mediocre filtering, you’ll end up with frequent problems in the ductwork. The best solution is a thorough cleaning of the ductwork by a professional to eliminate particles or debris responsible for the foul odour.
5. Clean The Evaporator Coil
When dealing with the musty odour from your air conditioning unit, you should prioritise the evaporator coil since it absorbs moisture from the air. If you want efficient cleaning of the evaporator coil, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to handle the task.
6. Use A Dehumidifier
If you’re after a long-term option to prevent any unwanted odour from your AC unit, you might want to invest in a dehumidifier. Using this equipment comes with several benefits such as providing comfort and lowering your utility bill. A dehumidifier helps lessen the load on the air conditioning unit and eliminates excess moisture in the air as well.
Conclusion
The air conditioning unit in your house plays an essential role in providing a comfortable environment throughout the year. Sadly, if you detect an undesirable odour originating from it, this can make your home unbearable to live in.
To ensure that your AC unit generates nothing but fresh air, follow the tips discussed above. Remember that regular maintenance and inspection by a professional will go a long way in keeping your air conditioner in excellent condition for years to come.