During the summer months, air conditioning is our most valuable weapon against the sweltering heat. However, when we turn on our split air conditioning units after a period of inactivity, an unpleasant odor and even humidity can permeate the air.
In this article we are going to tell you why does air conditioning smell bad and what you should do to avoid bad smell.
Why does air conditioning smell bad?
This fact can be attributed to the fact that split air conditioning systems draw in air from the room in which they are installed, cool it, and then circulate it. Consequently, the only way to manifest A bad smell in your air conditioner is if the air becomes contaminated during this process. If an unpleasant odor is already present in the room itself, it will inevitably spread throughout the space.
When it comes to ducted air conditioning, the usual practice is to suck the air in from the top of the false ceiling of the home. However, if there is an accumulation of air in this area, it can cause unpleasant odors or increased humidity. As a result, when you activate the system, these problems can spread throughout the house, creating the illusion that the split air conditioner is not working properly.
dirty filter
The presence of an unpleasant odor in air conditioning systems can be attributed to several factors. A common cause is a dirty or dusty air filter located in the split indoor unit.
The air conditioner filter serves as a barrier that captures various airborne particles, including dust and mites. Neglecting the necessary maintenance and cleaning of this filter can cause a buildup of these particles., which will cause clogging of the ducts and deterioration of the operation of the air conditioning unit. Proper airflow is hindered when air cannot circulate freely. Prolonged neglect of filter cleaning allows dirt buildup to penetrate the internal workings of the device and ultimately cause unpleasant odors in the air conditioning system.
Drainage problems
When dirt accumulates in the fan and exchanger, it mixes with moisture from the air conditioner when it is in cold mode, creating a wet mixture that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. This is what causes the unpleasant musty smell in the air conditioner. Besides, Drainage problems can also contribute to bad odors in the air.
By generating cold, splits effectively condense humidity. This excess moisture is transformed into water that must be stored or directed through a narrow drain that usually leads to a container with a tube. To ensure optimal air conditioning, it is enough to periodically empty the aforementioned container to avoid problems. However, there are cases where the air drain is connected to the home drain, which is a problem as Unpleasant odors can be absorbed and subsequently spread throughout the house through the air conditioning system.
On the contrary, an unpleasant odor can arise when the air in our system does not have the proper inclination for proper drainage, resulting in a gradual accumulation of water that eventually stagnates.
Methods to eliminate unpleasant odors from air conditioning systems
Although it may seem that using air conditioning odor removal products can solve the problem, It is important to note that these products simply address the symptoms and not the underlying cause. To prevent or eliminate unpleasant odors caused by air conditioning, proper maintenance of the system is essential. This is because these odors often come from a buildup of dirt.
Clean the filters
Instead of simply hiding unpleasant odors, air conditioning odor removal products, it is more effective and long-lasting to address the problem by performing maintenance tasks such as clean the air filters, thoroughly clean the split, replace the drain and let the air run regularly.
Keeping filters clean is important and can be easily accomplished at home with minimal effort. Following the manufacturer's guidelines, you can effortlessly remove the filters and clean them with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or residue (avoid using scented air fresheners or chemicals). It is recommended to clean or replace the filters annually, preferably before the arrival of summer.
Clean the split
If filters wear out or are not properly maintained, dirt can build up inside the air conditioning unit, including the fan and exchanger. To effectively clean the inside of your air conditioner, all you need is a small amount of soap and water. It is advisable to pay close attention to the grates during the cleaning process. Once finished, make sure the entire area is completely dry with a clean cloth.
Clean the condensate tray
When you are immersed in the air conditioning maintenance process, after removing the filter, your attention will focus on the condensation tray. This tray is made up of a series of parallel sheets that are responsible for collecting liquids, mainly water, that are collected by the fractures. It is essential to clean and disinfect these trays at least once a year to prevent the buildup of mold and bacteria, which can cause a musty smell emanating from our air conditioner. This periodic cleaning is essential to preserve the proper functioning of the drainage system. To determine when the tray needs to be cleaned, a simple method is to pour water over it and watch for leaks. If the water remains stagnant, it indicates that cleaning is necessary.
Check drainage
To ensure optimal performance of your air conditioning system, it is essential to periodically inspect and remove any drain blockages. If the drain is connected to a household pipe, it can absorb unpleasant odors, which will cause a bad smell emanating from the air conditioner. The most effective solution to this problem is to install a siphon.
It is advisable to activate the air conditioning periodically
The accumulation of dirt on the split is mainly due to lack of use. To avoid unpleasant odors, it is advisable to activate the air conditioning every one or two months, using the ventilation mode to eradicate any residual dirt. This practice ensures that no unpleasant odors are produced when the air conditioning is turned on.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the reasons why your air conditioning smells bad and how to solve it.