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Who doesn't like the cooling effect of an air conditioning system, especially during the hot and less comfortable humid summer months of the year? People have used air conditioners for years to keep their homes, offices, and other indoor spaces cool and comfortable.
Air conditioners remove the warm air inside a given space where they are installed and replace it with cooler air. They are also used for controlling humidity levels, which creates a more comfortable living environment.
Smelly air con as a major problem for users
No doubt, there are many benefits you can enjoy with an air conditioning system; however, there is a common problem that many users experience. The issue of smelly air conditioning is one that many have been contending with and wish they know what to do about it.
The situation can be caused by any factors, including mould and mildew growth, clogged filters, and stagnant water in the unit. A smelly air conditioning system can be a nightmare. Still, beyond this, it can also have some adverse health effects, such as respiratory problems and irritation of the throat, eyes, and nose.
For this reason, it is imperative that you understand how to prevent this from happening and how to solve it should it occur.
Reasons why air conditioning smells
When an air conditioner smells bad, there are bound to be reasons for this. Unfortunately, most people with this unpleasant experience are at a loss of what could be responsible for it. The following are likely causes of the situation;
Dirty air filters
When filters become dirty from use and are not replaced, bad smells can begin to come from the air conditioning system. In fact, dirty air filters are known to be a common cause of smelly air conditioning.
Your air filters can become clogged with dirt and dust and serve as the breeding ground for bacteria, eventually giving off unpleasant odours. You will be able to prevent this from happening by regularly changing these air filters.
Mould and mildew growth
This is another common cause of smelly air conditioning. This is where the issue of proper air conditioning maintenance comes in. If the air conditioning unit is not adequately maintained, there would be an opportunity for moisture to build up.
This will create the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow, thus leading to a musty odour emanating from the unit. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of air conditioners can help to prevent such bad smells.
Stagnant water in the air conditioning unit
If you allow stagnant water in your air conditioning unit for any reason, it can also cause unpleasant odours. Unfortunately, this can happen when the drain lines get clogged or if the unit is not tilted correctly during maintenance and care to allow water to drain away.
When there is stagnant water, bacteria, and mould may already have the environment necessary to thrive. When this happens, it can cause unpleasant odours. By keeping a regular maintenance culture and cleaning, air cons can be prevented from this issue.
Clogged drain lines
When an AC smells, it could result from clogged drain lines. The clogging can come from dirt and debris; water can back up, and the buildup of filth over time. This can lead to a musty odour or a rotten egg. This kind of situation can be prevented by regularly cleaning and maintaining the drain lines.
Dead animals or insects in the unit
Finally, dead animals or insects in the air conditioning unit can also cause unpleasant odours. This can happen when small animals or insects like geckos and spiders crawl and are trapped in the unit but eventually die. However, with regular maintenance and cleaning of the unit, this kind of situation can be averted.
The list is endless, but what is essential in all situations is that you must maintain and clean the unit regularly. If you can do this, you should always have your air conditioning smell fresh and clean.
Health implications of smelly air conditioning
When your air conditioning system smells bad, that may seem like a minor inconvenience. However, it can have profound health implications, significantly if prolonged exposure to smelly air conditioning occurs. Some of the health issues that may arise include the following;
Respiratory problems
When there is prolonged exposure to smelly air conditioning, it can cause respiratory problems. Such problems include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The reason behind this is that the odours emitted by the air conditioning unit can cause irritation to the lungs and airways, triggering respiratory symptoms.
Headaches and fatigue
If you get exposed continually to smelly air conditioning, it can make you suffer from headaches and fatigue. This can happen because the odours emitted by the unit can be sufficient to trigger a response in the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.
Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
The effects of smelly air conditioning can be far-reaching. It can also cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. This might be followed by symptoms such as redness, itchiness, and dryness.
Prevention and solutions to smelly air conditioning
If there were no way to prevent or solve the problem of smelly air conditioning, there would probably be no single unit again. Fortunately, there are many methods you can employ to avoid this situation or correct it if it happens. The following are some of the steps you can take to this end;
Regular maintenance and cleaning of air conditioning units
This is the top recommended solution, as it works like a charm. Air conditioners smell bad when they are not attended to on time or with less frequency. If you can maintain a constant cleaning routine, there will be no chance for this to happen to your air conditioning system.
Another reason why you should always do this is that it can save you a great deal of money because regular maintenance would mean you can prevent severe damages that could require you to spend more money to replace damaged parts.
Changing air filters regularly
You must remember to keep up with the frequency of changing the air filters. When they gather dirt and dust, they can source unpleasant odours in your home or office.
Keeping the unit dry and free of stagnant water
When you keep the unit dry and free of stagnant water, there is little to no chance of bacteria and mould growing in the unit. This will help to prevent the development of any form of unpleasant odours.
Use of air purifiers and dehumidifiers
You can combine a good maintenance culture with the use of air purifiers and dehumidifiers. This can help to remove allergens and pollutants from the air. It can also effectively prevent the growth of bacteria and mould, which are responsible for unpleasant odours.
Consult professional and licensed HVAC experts
The issue of bad smells has nothing to do with the type of air conditioning system you are using. Whether it's buildings with split systems, window units, and other air conditioning systems, they are all open to this situation. If the problem occurs, it may have to do with you as a person, especially if you have not been taking care of your air conditioning seriously.
When you are sure you have followed every tip provided here and you maintain a good maintenance habit, but the bad smell persists, it could be time to resort to the last move. This is when you reach out to a professional and licensed HVAC expert who can help you resolve the issue.
You do not want to keep the situation to yourself more than necessary. Do not forget that prolonged exposure to the bad smell can have negative health implications, and you should avoid this at all costs.
