Weird smell coming from A/C

Question

I have single A/C wall units in each room of my house. Once they've been running for a certain amount of time (anywhere between 30 minutes and above) on a mid-level temperature (about 75F) they start emitting a bad smell. We cleaned all the filters (only to find they were pretty clean) and it didn't make much of a difference.

When they're running on a colder temperature (around 71-72) the smell is less frequent or non-existent. It happens pretty much every time they're used, but the time it takes for the smell to start varies. Any ideas what can be causing this and what can be done to rectify this?

Thanks!

Shirley · Answer

Have you ever taken the unit itself out and cleaned it..by running water through it...yes...you can do this...you need to sit it down at a slight angle...so the unit tilts slightly...so the water will run out...of the pan under it...I am sure it is full of green yuck...wash it out good with your water hose...let it air dry for a little while..then put back in the cage...the unit should slide out easily..from the inside....by taking the front cover off...it will take two people..I am sure..unless you are a strong person..if these are run a lot..this should be done twice a year...

Janet Pizaro · Answer

It sounds like the inside of the unit has mild and or rust on it.I would take the unit out if possible and clean the inside out.

Larry Green · Answer

Remove the units in early spring and was thoroughly. I mean wash the two coils keeping water from the control panel and motor. Do this every year.

Lulu Dubin · Answer

Thanks for the answers. I've now been able to add a photo to show what the A/C looks like. I'm not sure it was clear in the question and some of the answers suggest I remove it from the wall which seems to be almost impossible. This is the biggest one (in the living room). The others are about half the size, but it still seems strange to have to remove them since they're quite large and attached to the wall.

Kala Professional Restoration services · Answer

Thesmell of mildew can literally develop overnight, especially during periods ofdamp and humid weather.Withregular attention and the occasional use of a few household staples, you canget rid of that mildew smell you hate so much, along with the hazardous,unhealthy mold those smells belong to.

Maura · Answer

I'm thinking if they can't be removed from the wall, maybe you could spray the inside with vinegar(unplug first and maybe an old rag to catch the vinegar dripping off)
Otherwise call the manufacturer

Jan Herman · Answer

Febreeze has a stick up thing that works in a car vent, maybe it would work here too?

Shirley · Answer

I would be googling the brand..find out what I could about them...see if I could remove the filter..if they have filters..clean those...or the insides...if possible....to clean....that's where all the odors are emitting from....

Lisa B. · Answer

They require routine chemical cleaning as well as filter replacement. Gunk can start to grow in the drain lines, etc. Best to call an air conditioning service company to come out and take a look. If its a chemical smell I would stop using them until a service person can come out and take a look at them.

153091 · Answer

I just had to comment on this one! Never have seen one like this, and IF it has a pan inside for 'drip' condensation, that must make the odor.There must be a way to clean it! Take Maura's suggestion...call the manufacturer.

Julia Sipe Bentley · Answer

My suggestion would be to unplug the system and then open it up as much as you can. You should be sure you are not dealing with any kind of mold...especially black mold. Regular cleaning and maintenance is a must with these systems to prevent molds from taking hold and dispersing in the air. Good luck :-)

Happyfeet · Answer

We have those same exact units in the house we rent except yours look like they might not be made by the same manufacturer as ours. Do you have a remote control with yours? Because ours do and on it there is a button that says 'air clean', you push that and it runs thru a cycle and shuts off by itself then seems to be ok after that.

Debbie Machmer · Answer

I have window units and found several videos on youtube with detailed instructions on cleaning your own units. A can of coil spray was about $6. Worth the time.

Kag2215080 · Answer

If you bought the air units they must have come with a booklet, If you're like me I always loose mine or don't know where I put them, so my son always tells me to go to Google with name of product and serial number there you can find anything. they have the manuals that come with that air unit. on the internet.

Weird smell coming from A/C

Suggested Project Book

Your Totally-Doable 15 Day Plan to a Clean Home

Other

More

Weird smell coming from A/C

Suggested Project Book