Spring is on the way and that means it will be time to start using your air conditioner in Mesa AZ. This is a great time to give it a test run to make sure it’s working the way it should before it gets too hot. A common problem air conditioners have when they haven’t been used for months is that the unit will emit an unpleasant smell. There are a variety of reasons for this such as:
1. Your air conditioner needs to be cleaned – if your unit is blasting an odor of musty socks or wet laundry, then it’s likely your evaporator coils and drain pans need maintenance. Over the winter, mildew, mold and dust build-up on your air conditioner. If cleaning the coils and pans don’t solve the problem, then try replacing the filters.
2. It smells like there’s something burning – if your air conditioning is emitting the smell of electrical fire or melting plastic, turn it off immediately and call an HVAC professional. You may have a mechanical issue such as a fan or wiring that needs replacing. If you think you have a short in the circuit board, turn off the unit at the main breaker until help arrives.
3. The house smells like something is rotting – there are several reasons for foul odors related to your HVAC system. It’s not unusual to have a dead animal in your ductwork that is causing the problem. If your home smells like raw sewage, it may not be a problem with the air conditioning, but it could be a backed-up sewer line. While the origins of the odor aren’t your HVAC, it’s helping to spread the bad smells throughout your home.
Don’t ignore unusual odors related to your air conditioning. In most cases, it’s a problem that can be resolved quickly by our professional HVAC technicians in Mesa, AZ. Let us help you maintain your air conditioning system, so you and your family can enjoy clean and cool air all season long.