Whether you are stepping into the office after a long commute, or coming back home after being exposed to the heat of the day, the first thing you reach for is the HVAC remote. However, after turning on your residential or commercial HVAC system, you are confronted by a bad, musty smell. This bad odour is not only unpleasant but unhealthy as well. It can cause severe health problems such as asthma attacks, allergies, or respiratory infections, especially if the cause of the smell is mould and mildew accumulated in the air conditioner.
You can even determine the cause of the problem by the type of the smell coming out from the device. If it stinks like feet, the most probable cause is clogged aircon, and if it smells like exhaust fumes, the cause is leakage of the fluid.
If your commercial or industrial air conditioning system smells, there could be a few factors affecting the device. At Air-rite Solutions, we specialise in locating defects within air conditioners, and providing efficient solutions to get that bad smell out of your home or office. Here are the top reasons your air conditioner may smell bad.
Mould and Mildew
The most common problem faced when dealing with commercial air conditioning maintenance is the smell of mildew/mould. If you start smelling a mouldy odour in your office, restaurant, shop, or other commercial space, your HVAC system most likely has started growing fungus. This occurs naturally as air conditioners remove excess moisture while cooling it. When moisture is not drained properly it starts to grow fungus. Another reason for this smell could also be dirty filters.
Calling a trained HVAC technician would be your best chance for removing mould and improving your air quality. A professional will properly clean the device and treat it with chemicals that destroy fungi which can cause serious health problems.
Leakage
If you ever smell skunk-like odour when you turn on your air conditioner, the chances are that the fluids in the engine or other parts of the HVAC system have starting leaking. This may be dangerous because if the gas leak is methyl mercaptan, at high concentrations it is very toxic. It can cause the following unpleasant symptoms:
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Skin irritation
- Red eyes
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Unconsciousness
This gas is also flammable, and can explode if exposed to high temperatures.
With our team of qualified and trained HVAC professionals, Air-rite Solutions can help solve your problem right away with our 24/7 services. Our team will locate the leakage and fix the issue, so you and your team stay safe.
Dirty/ Clogged Air Conditioner
More often than not, we notice the air conditioner releasing a smell that resembles feet or a wet carpet. This odour comes from aircon water sitting in the system and not getting drained properly. The best way to resolve this is to contact a cooling and heating professional service to resolve the issue and ask them the best ways to maintain your air conditioning system.
If the filters are clogged, your air conditioner will not be able to work properly, the device might freeze, or the heat pump and compressor might break. Therefore, if your device is clogged, it will not only cause the air in the room to stink, but it can severely damage the essential parts of the aircon.
Animal Waste in Ducts
The winter season is when commercial HVAC systems are used the least. However, it is also when birds and rodents take shelter in your air ducts. This can lead to the smell of dead animals and rotten eggs when you finally decide to turn your air con on to relieve yourself from the summer heat. Animals can also damage wiring, components, and ducts. Dead animals not only cause a bad odour, as their faeces and urine can also be the cause of bad smells spreading through your home or workplace.
If you have prior knowledge of air ducts, then removing it and cleaning it every now and again will ensure this does not happen again. If you need maintenance for commercial HVAC system, or would like to call in the experts for your home ac unit contact us on 07 3274 2199 to get your HVAC or air conditioner fixed right away.
The Importance of Having a HVAC Maintenance Plan
A HVAC maintenance plan will also help to mitigate or eradicate any bad odours in your building. Whether these odours are coming from people, pets, or food that has gone off, they can impede your productivity and have a negative effect on the health of those around you. If you are a building owner or manager, it is your responsibility to ensure your building’s HVAC system is kept up to date so it can provide the necessary ventilation to get rid of bad odours.
Finally, bad odours can come from an unmaintained HVAC system that’s suffering from dirty vents and filters. As a facility manager, it is your responsibility to ensure your building’s HVAC system is kept up to date so it can provide the necessary ventilation to get rid of bad odours.
The Bottom Line
Bad odour coming from your residential or commercial HVAC system is not just unpleasant, but it can also be a serious threat to your health and the health of your family members. Depending on the source, it can cause an asthma attack, allergies, respiratory problems such as a cough and infections, skin irritation, dizziness, sore throat, red and painful eyes, etc. Bad smells can also be a sign of malfunction, and may require a professional check-up. Also, some things such as regular filter maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendation can be done on your own.
Both commercial and residential air conditioners can release bad odors for several reasons. Here are some common causes:
- Accumulated moisture: Air conditioners remove humidity from the air as part of the cooling process. If the unit is not properly maintained or if there is a buildup of moisture inside the system, it can create an ideal environment for the growth of mould, mildew, or bacteria. These microorganisms can produce unpleasant odours when they thrive in the damp environment.
- Mould and mildew: When moisture is present in the air conditioning system, it can lead to the growth of mould and mildew on the cooling coils, air filters, or other parts of the unit. These fungi can emit a musty or earthy smell that is often described as a bad odor.
- Clogged drain line or drip pan: Air conditioners have a drain line or drip pan that collects the condensation produced during the cooling process. If this drain line becomes clogged with dirt, debris, or algae, it can result in standing water or stagnant moisture. Over time, this can lead to the growth of bacteria and mould, which can produce foul odours.
- Dirty or clogged filters: Air filters in an air conditioning system help trap dust, dirt, and other particles from the air. If these filters become dirty or clogged and are not replaced or cleaned regularly, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, leading to unpleasant odours.
- External factors: Sometimes, bad odours can originate from sources outside the air conditioner. For example, if there are nearby pollutants, such as chemical fumes, strong odours, or even a dead animal trapped within the system, it can result in unpleasant smells being circulated by the air conditioner.
To prevent bad odours from air conditioners, it is important to practice regular HVAC maintenance, including cleaning or replacing filters, ensuring proper drainage, and scheduling professional inspections and cleaning. If persistent odours persist or if you are unsure about the source, it is recommended to consult a professional HVAC technician for further assistance.
To manage your air con needs contact us directly at 07 3274 2199 or fill in the form on our contact page.
