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If you find yourself wondering where the unpleasant smell in your home is coming from and have finally tracked it back to your air conditioner, you’re now faced with the problem of getting rid of it. So, if you are wondering how to get your air conditioner to stop smelling, here are some suggestions for dealing with the problem.

If you are unable to find the source or cannot cure the problem yourself, you should call a professional to help you with AC repair. They’ll not only be able to take care of the problem for you, but they can give you solid advice on how to prevent it from happening again in the future.

It’s Time for a Clean Out

The first thing we usually do if we find a bad smell in our home is locate the source and then clean it up. Your air conditioning is no exception. If you don’t regularly clean your air conditioner, it can accumulate dirt and mold. Over time, this builds up and creates that moldy smell you’re experiencing. 

During a hot Arizona summer, it isn’t uncommon for this to happen. So, if you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of that musty smell in your central air conditioner, the answer is to clean it and this is usually as simple as replacing any dirty filters and wiping down any dirt, grime, or moisture that have accumulated around intakes or vents and become stagnant.

Once you’ve found the source of the problem and cleaned it, you’ll want to make this a routine part of your cleaning and maintenance to keep those pesky smells at bay. Be sure to replace your filters regularly before they begin to smell. Dirty filters can not only create smells, they can reduce the efficiency of your unit and affect your health.

Failed Components

Does your air conditioning system smell like it is burning? If so, then you should check into what is causing it right away. During the longest, hottest days of summer, it could just be that it has overheated. If that is the case, you can turn it off and wait a day or two to see if the problem is solved, but that’s likely not a great solution if it was already working overtime to keep you cool due to the heat. 

Your best option is to call for repairs right away rather than spending two days sweating in your own home to see if the problem self-corrects – this is just prolonging the issue. There is a chance that you have a bigger problem, such as a damaged or failing component in your unit or a wiring issue in the electric systems within your air conditioner. You could have a wire that is damaged or that has failed completely.

It is also fairly common for small animals to chew through wiring in outside locations, crawl spaces, or attics. Merely turning off your system for a bit will not correct this situation, but a professional can locate the damage and take care of it for you without risk of further damage or hazarding your family’s safety. It is always better to be safe than regret your choice not to call for AC repairs before a problem escalates.

Carcass Problems

Speaking of animals that chew wires, you might also be smelling a deceased one in your vents. If an animal crawls into your air conditioning and dies there, its carcass will eventually begin to smell. This can be difficult to deal with and embarrassing to boot, but it can also be a health hazard. If you smell something that has the odor of decomposition, you need to shut down your air conditioner and call for immediate HVAC assistance with the situation.

What does it smell like? If you are unfamiliar with this odor, it essentially smells like food waste that has been left in the garbage for too long or rotten eggs. It isn’t a smell you can or should disregard. Get professional help right away.

Standing Leakage

Certain types of air conditioning systems can leak fluids such as refrigerants from the unit. This type of leakage can smell very much like the exhaust fumes you might encounter while driving in high-traffic areas. Odors from leaks can seep into your home in much the same way they creep into your car. 

If you have an attached or enclosed garage at our home, you may get a similar smell from your car running in such proximity to your home when your vehicle comes and goes, but that is usually fleeting. A consistent smell of this nature is more likely coming from air conditioning leakage and should be assessed and repaired by your local HVAC experts.

Are Bad Smells Bad News?

Unfortunately, yes. 

Your air conditioning unit should not be emitting smells that you find unpleasant. If you find yourself noting the same smell routinely, it is a clear indication that there is a problem. We all become accustomed to the smell of our home and it can sometimes take the odor becoming especially pungent before we notice it, so if it has become bothersome, there is a good chance it’s already been present for a while.

Perhaps you’ve not noticed anything, but when you go out for a while to work or shop and come back, a bad odor hits you in the face as you walk in. Don’t let yourself grow accustomed to it before you seek help. Begin seeking it out and if you trace it back to your air conditioning system, get it taken care of before it becomes grimmer, creates bigger problems, or, in some cases, causes your system to stop working at all.

Some smells may just be an annoyance, but others can lead to further damage or even become hazards to the well-being of your family. Get a qualified HVAC technician out to look into the problem as soon as possible if you aren’t able to remedy it yourself with just a bit of basic cleaning and maintenance.

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If you are the proud owner of an air conditioner, then you know that summer is just around the corner. This means a lot of time spent outside and less time at home for most people. We turn on our AC to cool down inside. And if we forget to turn it off before we head out, then we come back home to find an overheated house or apartment. This can be very dangerous because it may not take long for mold or mildew growth to start in your AC unit, depending on how humid your area is. To avoid these problems and keep your AC running smoothly all year round, follow these four easy tips & tricks. 

1. Clean and Replace Your Air Filters

This is probably the essential step in keeping your AC running smoothly. Air filters need to be replaced every three months or more often. A dirty air filter will restrict airflow and make your AC work harder, leading to decreased efficiency and increased energy costs. Remove it from the unit and brush off any dirt or debris to clean your air filter. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove larger particles. If the filter is filthy, you can soak it in hot water and dish soap before rinsing and air drying.

2. Examine the Thermostat

If the temperature in your house is not cooling down to the level you expect, or if the air conditioner is turning on and off frequently, then it may be time to adjust your thermostat. Ensure the thermostat is set to cool and that the room is cooler than the thermostat setting. You can also try increasing the differential setting on your thermostat. This will make the AC unit turn on and off less frequently, keeping the room at a more consistent temperature. 

3. Be Sure your Outside Unit has Plenty of Room to Breath 

Often people will stuff their AC units inside a cabinet and close the door. Unfortunately, this is a big mistake because it restricts airflow, reduces performance, and increases energy costs. It also causes the unit to run more frequently as it tries to keep up with hot air around it. To avoid these problems, make sure your AC unit is not enclosed and that it has plenty of room to breathe.

4. Check All Vents and Grilles for Clogs

Another common problem is clogged grilles and vents. This happens for several reasons, such as pets, kids, or even just dirt buildup over time. If your AC unit is blowing hot air out of the registers, your venting system may be clogged and need to be cleaned. You can also check the fins on the outside unit for clogs. If they are dirty or blocked, use a garden hose to spray them off.

Conclusion

Following these simple tips & tricks will help keep your AC unit running all year smoothly round, saving you money on energy costs and preventing any potential health hazards. Please contact your local HVAC contractor for more information or help with air conditioner repair. If you are in Australia, there are several reliable experts in Air Conditioning Gold Coast has to offer.

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That is why you should always have the contact of a reliable HVAC and AC technician on hand. You can use various sources to list available AC repairers, but don’t list every business you come across. You could pick up a bad vibe and not get the best service that you were looking for. Instead, you should limit to repairers operating within about 30 miles of your home. Why DIY repairs of HVAC system are not always a good idea, see here!

Ask for Recommendation

When you are trying to find out how to find a local HVAC technician, one of the best ways is word of mouth. By asking around, you will be able to get some good leads. It’s always good to find someone you can trust, like family, friends, or people from your work. They might have an idea of a reliable technician in your area. Another way is to look on the Internet.

Check Selected Technicians

Once you know how to find local HVAC technicians, then you need to verify their details. When you’re already online, check the websites of selected companies and individuals. If they don’t seem relevant, they’re probably not. Also, if there are some missing details, like a physical address or some further information explaining technicians’ expertise, proceed to someone else.

License Is a Must

You should get in touch with the company or individual AC repairer and ask for some details. If you’re on a tight budget, you can easily ask for a quote from these contractors and compare it with your own needs. But before all that, you have to check first if the technicians are license holders. Most states require contractors to be licensed; this is done to ensure the quality of service they provide. Hence, when you are looking for someone to install, repair, service, or improve heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems in your home or office, make sure to ask for a license number. It’s usually visible on technicians’ websites. If not, make sure to ask about it.

Testimonials and Work Background

Aside from a license number, you also need to check for HVAC technicians’ credentials. There are several places where you can find testimonials on HVAC contractors. You can browse through the Internet to read reviews about the company or individual repairer. Sometimes, you’ll find customers’ feedback on their websites. The next thing that you need to check is their work background. Most HVAC technicians claim that they have the skills and license to work in the field. That can be true, but you still have to verify their work background and view services they offer. Most of the HVAC technician’s work history can be found on their websites. Reliable AC repairers want to showcase their work background and credentials. You could get in touch with previous clients, and get some information. In some cases, you may not always be able to do this due to customer privacy policies. But if you get the references, be sure to check them out.

Contact Customer Service

You could try contacting the HVAC companies through their customer service. If you have some problems, then you might not get immediate assistance. But at least you will get some handy tips or guidelines on DIY repair when you need it. If the customer service is not very friendly, you might want to try another option.

You never know when you may need the help of an HVAC technician. Never fall for low hourly rates or repairers who guarantee results, but have no proof of that. Work only with license holders because they are insured and certified by competent institutions.

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Aside from extending your PTAC system’s lifespan, regular cleaning and maintenance will preserve air conditioner energy-efficiency and performance. Also, a clean unit ensures optimal indoor air quality and reduces the need for frequent expensive repairs. Are you worried about the cost and hassle of maintaining a PTAC? Airconditionerlab.com states that compared to other AC systems, PTACs often require less time and money to maintain, and you can preserve them with a few simple steps.

Monthly Maintenance

Cleaning your PTAC unit every month is not as troublesome as it sounds. You can complete it under 30 minutes, and it will keep your system running smoothly for years.

Perform your monthly maintenance by:

1. Cleaning the Air Filters

Your PTAC improves air quality by using filters to capture airborne debris and allergens. This useful feature makes your indoor air easier to breathe and healthier, especially if you have allergies or a respiratory illness. Because air filters work nonstop, they quickly accumulate dirt, leading to reduced performance and air quality. According to Coolandportable.com use the vacuum tube to clean dirt and dust etc. After that, use some antibacterial soap for the filter. Cleaning the filters involves pulling them out of the unit’s front panel. When removing the filters, do it carefully to avoid dropping some of the accumulated dirt back into the unit. Once the filters are out, rinse the dirt off with running water.

After cleaning the filters, set them aside to air dry before putting them back in the AC unit. If you cannot wait for the filters to dry, clean with a vacuum cleaner instead of running water. If the filter has a tear in it, you’ll need to go ahead and replace it. Filters with holes in them won’t do you much good at all.

2. Cleaning the Vent Screen

Vent screens prevent harmful objects from getting into the AC unit. The screen quickly accumulates dirt because air constantly passes through it. If you leave it dirty, it will contaminate the clean air from the AC filter before it reaches the room. Because cleaning the vent screen will involve touching parts inside the PTAC unit, unplug the system before working on it. Otherwise, an electrical accident may occur. After unplugging it, remove the AC cabinet’s front according to the system’s manual. With most hotel-style PTAC units, all you have to do is pull the front’s underside and then lift to remove the cover. Other designs may require undoing screws. Behind the cabinet cover, you will find the AC’s chassis. Undo the chassis’ screws and remove it from the wall sleeve to access the vent screen. You can then clean the screen with a vacuum or duster. After cleaning, put the unit back together and plug in the system.

3. Cleaning the Cabinet Front

The cabinet front we earlier removed to reach the vent screen will also need cleaning. Wipe it with a damp cloth to get rid of accumulated dust. Clean the discharge air grille as well, and any other visible surfaces. To be safe, unplug the system before cleaning and take care to ensure water doesn’t touch any of the unit’s electrical components.

Also, avoid using any strong detergents or ammonia-based cleaners on your AC unit. Such cleaning products contain compounds that can damage your PTAC’s components.

Yearly Maintenance

Annual PTAC maintenance is more thorough than the regular monthly maintenance. It involves an inspection and a deep clean of the unit. If you are in an area with severe air pollution, we recommend getting a deep clean PTAC service quarterly instead of yearly. Getting quarterly maintenance is also advisable if you are using PTACs in a healthcare facility. Without frequent deep cleaning, the system will be unable to maintain optimal air quality to aid the recovery of patients. While you can perform yearly maintenance yourself, it is advisable to have a professional do it. There might be a need for heavy lifting, and a PTAC maintenance expert has the training and tools to perform the job thoroughly.

While specific maintenance requirements will vary between different PTAC models, deep cleaning will generally involve:

1. Cleaning or replacing air filters
2. Cleaning the wall sleeve and checking the caulking around it to ensure it is still weatherproof
3. Inspecting the condenser coil for damage and cleaning it, which requires dismantling most of the unit
4. Identifying worn-out components and replacing them
5. Inspecting the thermostat and other PTAC unit controls
6. Cleaning the base pan to prevent water leakage
7. Disinfecting the unit to prevent mold and other bacteria and fungi growth
8. Checking the refrigerant level and making sure there are no leaks
9. Performing a clearance check to verify the system is still energy-efficient and performing safely

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean PTAC can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. With that in mind, don’t neglect your monthly cleanings. For the yearly cleaning, hire a licensed professional for the job. Before hiring a PTAC maintenance expert, verify that the technician has experience cleaning your specific AC model. If your technician is unaware of the specific requirements of your PTAC, they may end up doing more harm than good. The technician should also be able to advise you on how to improve your AC’s performance and extend its lifespan.