Why Does Your AC Unit Emit Foul Smell?

You should always remember that the air coming out of your AC system shouldn’t have any smell at all. But, if you notice that your unit is releasing a musty smell a couple of seconds after changing the thermostat, you will likely have to call an expert AC repair Austin technician.     Today, we are going to talk about a couple of reasons why your AC unit emits a foul smell. 

Incorrect AC Unit Size 

Your AC unit needs to be the correct size of it to properly work. The air gets cycled throughout your house too fast if the unit is too big for your property. This means that it does not totally get dehumidified. This results in excess moisture. Aside from that, the incorrect AC unit size might be vulnerable to constantly turning off and on. This leads to potential premature failure and excessive wear and tear.   To know if your unit is right for your house, you can consult a professional. 

  Blocked Condensate Line 

That tiny PVC pipe that you see next to your condenser unit is called the condensate line. The purpose of this pipe is to drain water from the drip pan to the storm drain or landscaping. But, since it is small, it is also prone to sludge, mildew, and mold buildup. This can result in musty smell and clogs inside your house.   That’s why you have to clean the condensate line every month.  

A Drain Pan Filled with Water 

The moisture that is eliminated from the humid air inside your house causes water droplets to fall into the drip or drain pan. But, this component of your AC system suffers routine wear and tear. Because of this, over time, it might not work as effectively as before.  Mold can grow in an inefficient drain pain. This is probably the reason why you can smell a foul odor when you use your AC. Contact a professional HVAC technician right away to fix this issue. 

Frozen Evaporator Coils 

The job of your AC system is to absorb warm air inside your house, get rid of humidity, cool the air, and cycle it back inside your house via vents. For this process, free-flowing air is crucial. That’s why it’s vital to have a clean air filter.  Debris and dirt obstruct airflow via the filters. This causes water drops from humid indoor air to accumulate on the evaporator coils. After that, it will freeze as the refrigerant of the AC system keeps on cooling the air. 

  Excess Moisture in Vents or Air Ducts

  Excess moisture that gathers inside vents and air ducts can be caused by a drainage leak or high humidity levels. There is a high possibility that mildew and mold have spread within the ductwork if you smell something foul when you turn the AC system on. Keep in mind that exposure to mold can cause a couple of problems. This includes health issues. Because of this, you’ve got to hire an HVAC professional immediately to have your unit cleaned.