Did you turn on your air conditioner looking for relief, but instead you were met with a foul mildew stink that sends you heading for the hills? Unfortunately, this is a common problem many homeowners face, especially when they haven’t turned on their air conditioner for a while. It is crucial that you fix the issue, as it could eventually become hazardous, not only for your air conditioner but also to your health. Here are a few ways to troubleshoot your stinky air conditioner.

Man removing air filter

Condensate Drain Clog

The condensate drain is one of the most important pieces of your air conditioning system. It collects all the moisture and condensation that forms when your air conditioning system is on. One of the main reasons your system may be causing a stink is due to the condensate drain being clogged. When the drain is clogged, it can back up, causing mold and mildew to grow and cause that musty smell to begin circulating throughout your home.

Your System Needs to Be Cleaned

Part of proper air conditioning maintenance is cleaning the system thoroughly. When different parts of your air conditioning are dirty, they can become gunked up. Not only will this impact your overall machine efficiency, but it can also cause your system to smell. The cooling coils especially need to be routinely cleaned off to continue to work (and smell) optimally.

 Change Your Air Filter

Sometimes your air conditioning system itself is entirely clear and working fine, but your air filter needs to be replaced. If you are using your air conditioner daily, you should replace your air filter seasonally. When an air filter is dirty, it can cause your entire home to smell musty or let off a “gym room” odor. If you have a stinky air conditioning system and would like help, contact Duggan's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® today. Call (706) 914-1617 to make your appointment.