No one likes to be blasted with some horrible odour every time they turn on their aircon, but it does happen, and no, it’s certainly not normal.
Below are a couple of reasons why your aircon smells bad, and why it may be time you turn to an aircon servicing package from your local aircon cleaner.
1. Mould And/Or Mildew Buildup
There are two places where mould and mildew can grow on your air conditioner: the evaporator coils and the ductwork.
There are various reasons why mould or mildew grow on these places. It can be either because of high humidity levels indoors, or because of the natural dust or dirt buildup.
Either way, this is something beyond your control. You also should not attempt to try and disassemble your air conditioner and clean it yourself. Because inspecting and cleaning the ducts or the evaporator coils requires taking parts of the air conditioner apart, you’ll definitely want to hire a professional to do it for you.
In the case of ducts, cleaning it won’t totally solve the problem. To minimize mould and mildew buildup on the ducts, you’ll want to solve the main cause first. Work closely with the professional and ask for their advice on how you can pinpoint the main source of the mould or mildew so you can totally eliminate the problem.
2. Clogged Condensate Drain
The purpose of the condensate drain line is to catch and drain away the condensation coming from the air conditioner’s evaporator coils.
But sometimes, the line can get clogged. And as a result, standing water can build up, which can become the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria.
Unlike cleaning the duct or the evaporator coils, it is possible to clean the condensate drain yourself. Although, for best results, you’ll want to consult a professional.
3. A Dead Animal Or Insect
It may sound like a pretty straightforward answer, but sometimes, the reason why your air conditioner smells is because something dead is inside it.
Believe it or not, it’s not uncommon for dead animals or insects to get stuck inside the air ducts or inside the air conditioning unit itself.
If this happens, call pest control immediately.
As you can see, there’s really nothing you can do on your own when it comes to why your air conditioner is starting to smell bad. If this happens, you’re better off looking for an aircon maintenance and cleaning services right away. However, be careful with professionals who insist that you have your air conditioner cleaned only. Sometimes, the problem might not have started with your air conditioner and it will keep on reoccurring unless the main issue is resolved.
Having said that, it’s not a good idea to wait for your aircon to smell bad to call a professional.
Depending on how often you use your air conditioning unit, you’ll want to have it cleaned by a professional as often as every three months. An unclean aircon is a potential health hazard that can put your family at risk for dust or dirt, and in worse cases, mould and mildew.