How to Get Rid of Air Conditioner Smells

If your air conditioner smells like mold or dirty socks/feet, you will need to check the drain pan for stagnant water and the condensate line for a blockage. If it smells like rotten eggs, there is likely a dead animal stuck in the ductwork, which you will need to remove. If the unit smells musty, the air filters are either clogged or need to be replaced. Smelling exhaust fumes is a sign that the circuit or wiring is burnt, while smelling smoke indicates that the evaporator coils need to be cleaned. If the air conditioner smells like skunk spray or sulfur this is an indication of a gas leakage and you will need to turn off the gas and call your service provider immediately. Whether you have a window or portable air conditioner, you can use this guide to learn practical tips and techniques for identifying, addressing, and preventing these common air conditioner smells.

Air Conditioner Smells like Mold or Mildew

If your air conditioner smells like mold it is likely due to moisture buildup within the unit, which creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. As warm air passes over the evaporator coil, moisture in the air condenses on the cold coil and forms water droplets. This water then drips down into a drain pan located beneath the evaporator coil. To get rid of this smell you will need to thoroughly clean the drain pan, which is the part responsible for holding water produced by the AC until is drained out. If you own a portable air conditioner, you will typically need to empty the drain pan manually each time it reaches capacity in order to keep it clean and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.

How to Clean the Air Conditioner Drain Pan

1. Before starting any maintenance on your air conditioner disconnect the power supply for your safety.
2. Remove the access panel or front cover of the AC to access the drain pan which is typically found beneath the evaporator coil.
3. If there's standing water in the drain pan, use towels to remove it. Be careful not to spill water onto electrical components.
4. Mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent or dish soap in a bucket. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar for natural disinfecting properties.
5. Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the drain pan until you have removed all traces of contaminants.
6. Rinse it with clean water to remove any remaining soap or debris.
7. For added disinfection, you can spray the drain pan with a mixture of water and bleach.
8. Allow the bleach solution to sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
9. Use a clean towel or allow the drain pan to air dry completely before reinstalling it.
10. Once the drain pan is clean and dry, reassemble the air conditioner and reconnect the power supply.

Air Conditioner Smells like Socks or Dirty Feet

An unpleasant odor that smells like dirty socks or feet is caused by stagnant water in the drain pan. Window air conditioners have a condensate line, which is a pipe or tube that is responsible for removing excess moisture, or condensate, from the air conditioner. It carries water out of the drain pan and disposes of it outside the home. A clogged condensate drain line will be unable to carry out this function leading to water collecting in the pan and not draining out. A clogged condensate line may also cause water in the drain pan to overflow. This can result in water damage to the air conditioner and surrounding areas, therefore, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible.

How to Clear a Blocked Condensate Line

1. Turn off the power to the air conditioning system before beginning any repairs.
2. Locate the condensate line which typically runs from the air conditioner's indoor unit to the outside of your home. It may also connect to a drain or a condensate pump.
3. Inspect the condensate line for any visible signs of blockage or bends which may restrict the flow of water.
4. You can use your hands, a brush, or a small plumbing snake to clear the blockage.
5. Once the line is clear, you can clean it by flushing it with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water.
6. Once you've cleared the blockage, turn on the air conditioner and monitor the condensate line for proper drainage. You should see water flowing freely from the line to the drain or outside of your home.

Air Conditioner Smells Musty

A musty air conditioner smell is one of the most common unpleasant smells that many owners experience. It is typically caused by dirty air filters. The air filter in both window and portable units is responsible for trapping dust, and other contaminants from entering the air conditioner to keep the air fresh and protect various internal components in your unit from damage. Over time it is common for the air filters to accumulate and become obstructed by dust and debris. It is recommended to regularly clean them to allow fresh air to circulate properly and keep the unit running efficiently.

How to Clean the Air Conditioner Air Filters

1. Begin by disconnecting the air conditioner from the power supply.
2. Remove the grille or cover on the unit to access the filters.
3. Depending on your air conditioner you may be able to simply pull out the filter or you may first need to remove the air filter cover if one is present.
4. If the filters are damaged or no longer in good condition, you will likely need to replace the air filter to fix your air conditioner.
5. Rinse the filter under warm water to clear off any dirt or debris. Avoid using hot water, as this can damage the filter material. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove the dust from the filters.
6. If the filters are particularly dirty, you can use a mild detergent solution to help remove stubborn stains or buildup.
7. After cleaning, allow the filters to air dry completely before reinstalling them in the air conditioner. Ensure they are thoroughly dry to prevent mold or mildew growth.
8. Once the filters are dry, carefully slide them back into place or reattach them to the unit, ensuring they are positioned correctly and securely.
9. Restore power to the air conditioner and check that it is running properly.
10. To maintain optimal performance, it's recommended to clean or replace air conditioner filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and environmental factors.

Air Conditioner Smells like Rotten Eggs

If you smell rotten eggs coming from your air conditioner, this is an indication that there may be a dead animal inside the ductwork in your home. Unfortunately, it is common for small animals such as birds and rodents to get trapped inside the ducts. However, even if you have a ductless air conditioner, smaller animals such as lizards may still find their way inside the unit and become trapped there. You will need to inspect and remove any foreign materials inside the unit to get rid of the smell.

How to Remove a Dead Animal From Ducts

1. Put on gloves, a mask, and safety glasses to protect yourself from any potential contaminants or pathogens associated with handling dead animals.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the vent cover or access panel.
3. Inspect the ductwork for any obstructions or a dead animal. If you are sure there is an animal but you are unable to reach it, you should call in a professional pest removal company.
4. If you can reach the animal, carefully pull it from the ductwork using gloved hands or a pair of tongs. Be careful not to touch the carcass with your bare hands as this may pose a health risk.
5. Place the carcass in a sealed plastic bag or container and dispose of it at an approved waste disposal site.
6. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the area of the ductwork where you found the dead animal. You can use a mixture of bleach and water to sanitize the area and remove any remaining odor.

Air Conditioner Smells like Smoke

If you smoke in your home or near the outdoor unit, then eventually your air conditioner will begin to smell like stale cigarette smoke. This is because certain components in your air conditioner, such as the evaporator coil, absorb the odor from the smoke and then circulate it through the vents whenever you are using the air conditioner. To avoid the smell of smoke it is best to clean the evaporator coil and also avoid smoking in or near your home.

How to Clean the Evaporator Coil

1. Remove the cover or front panel of the air conditioner to access the evaporator coil.
2. If the evaporator coil is covered by an access panel, use a screwdriver to remove it as well.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush or a coil cleaning brush to gently remove dirt and debris from the coil fins. Be careful to avoid bending or damaging the fins, as this can restrict airflow and reduce system efficiency.
4. Apply coil cleaner to the evaporator coil according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Allow the coil cleaner to sit on the coils for the recommended time as this allows the cleaner to penetrate and loosen stubborn dirt and debris.
6. Rinse the evaporator coil thoroughly with clean water.
7. Once the coil is dry, reassemble the access panel and front cover of the air conditioner and secure it in place.
8. Turn the power back on to your air conditioning system and test it to ensure proper operation.

Air Conditioner Smells like Skunk or Gas

If your air conditioner smells like skunk or sulfur, this is a sign of a potentially dangerous situation in your home that requires immediate attention. This smell is usually a sign of a gas leakage, specifically one known as methyl mercaptan. If you detect this smell, promptly turn off the gas supply to your home, leave the area, and contact your gas provider immediately.

Air Conditioner Smells like Exhaust Fumes

An air conditioner that smells like exhaust fumes or like something is burning is typically caused by a burnt circuit board or wiring. If you suspect there are electrical issues in the air conditioner, it is essential to have the system inspected by a qualified technician to prevent safety hazards.

This smell may also be caused by leaking refrigerant. Refrigerant is a cooling agent that helps to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Over time the refrigerant can corrode due to exposure to moisture, or chemicals, or it may become damaged or loose. If the refrigerant line is damaged or faulty, it may cause the refrigerant to leak out. It is best to call a professional technician to address this issue promptly as it can be hazardous to your health.

Understanding the causes behind the odors coming from your air conditioner is the first step towards effectively eliminating them and restoring a fresh, comfortable indoor environment. If you follow the steps laid out in this article, you will be well-equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to conquer air conditioner smells once and for all.