When it’s in the 90s outside and sweltering inside your home, the last thing you want is to inhale a foul smell when you turn on your air conditioner. No family should be forced to choose between being uncomfortable in their own home and breathing in a nauseating odor.

Should you be concerned? Are those stomach-turning aromas coming from your AC normal? If so, what’s causing them, and how can you keep them from reoccurring?

These are all questions our customers have asked before, and we know it’s extremely frustrating to be confronted with a foul-smelling central air system. Here are the three main reasons your system is smelling funky:

Mold growth and condensation

Your air conditioner will create internal condensation when there’s a significant temperature difference between the AC enclosure and the air outside.

When moisture collects in your unit, mold can begin to grow. Debris, insect shells, and dust can also gather and stick to the condensation inside your unit. After awhile, this combination can create an unpleasant smell that’s then distributed throughout your home when your system is running.

A clogged air filter

Do you remember the last time you changed your HVAC system’s air filter? If it’s been awhile, your filter has probably collected nasty particles from the air. When your AC filter is clogged and dirty, the cold air from your system must force its way past all the unpleasant contaminants stuck in your filter – carrying the bad smell with it throughout your home.

Filthy ductwork

Similarly, your duct system can accumulate dust, dirt, mold, bacteria, and debris over time. How long has it been since you’ve had your ducts cleaned? Never? The foul smell emanating from your AC could actually be in your ductwork.

As you know, the cold air from your AC flows through your duct system before being blown throughout your home. Your ductwork serves as a sort of superhighway network for your home. Any bad odors coming from your ducts will find their way to every corner of your home with quickness.

Fortunately, getting rid of a bad AC smell is fairly easy. Whatever is causing the odor simply needs to be cleaned. If you suspect it’s coming from your ducts, schedule a duct cleaning. If you discover that your furnace filter is dirty, replace it.

Most importantly, you should keep your AC unit clean by scheduling annual maintenance. Our comprehensive central air conditioning system tune-up will include the cleaning of your unit’s parts, so make sure to get your air conditioner checked out before summer arrives. In addition, we’re available 24/7 to help you with all your AC needs.