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What That Odor From Your Vents Could Mean

In this hot Georgia heat, there is nothing worse than to be greeted with a foul-smelling odor every time your air conditioner runs. Not only is the smell repulsive, it can also pose a health risk to you and your family. There could be several causes for the foul smell emanating from your vents.

Lack of Maintenance

The most common causes of air conditioner odors stem from not taking proper care of your system. If you neglect to clean and change your filters, they become clogged with dirt and debris. This buildup can start to smell over time, especially if the waste includes pet hair and dander. When accumulated dirt on your air conditioner’s vents, filter and other components gets wet, it develops an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, and will lead to a musty odor.

Clogged Water Drain

A natural byproduct of running your air conditioner is condensation. If the drain that removes the condensation from your home becomes clogged with algae or other residue, it promotes mold and mildew growth. A backup in the condensate drain can emit a stagnant, dank odor. Any resulting overflow can generate the same mold, mildew and odor problems; and damage your flooring.

Improper Operation

If your air conditioner doesn’t run at full capacity, it won’t dehumidify the air like it should. Similarly, if your home’s air conditioning system is too big or too small, it will not properly dehumidify the air.

Refrigerant Leak

If none of the above provides an answer to the odor problem, a refrigerant leak is another possibility. If the smell is similar to a gaseous smell, have your system checked immediately.

The experienced staff at Merrell & Associates, is ready to help you take care of any HVAC concerns. To learn more about maintenance and how you can keep the air in your home fresh, check out our air quality solutions or give us a call at 770-872-4171.

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