Why does my a/c stink when I turn it on? What causes it? What should I do to get rid of the smell?

Question

Can anyone give me a permanent solution?

Answer 1

How long has it been since you have cleaned the air filter in this unit or replaced it ?? There is the single most probable cause of your problem---replace it---or if it is the permanent type---wash it out really good with a solution of 2 parts water and 1 part white vinegar----should take care of it

Answer 2

You have fungus algae, and other scum that forms bacteria, and is being blown througout your home, in the drip pan, from not pouring clorine bleach down the pipe... First it should be cleaned out with air pressure, either from a small compressor, or with a 'snake'.

My drain forms a clear 'Jelly' and has to be treated every 6 months,or I get the same colonies! If you let it go, the water condesate might back up and flood the area around the Air Handler!

An HVAC tech should be able to clean it all off, and check to see if the coils are still clean! And he should be able to clean it all up.
And, the filter should be changed out every 30 days.

Answer 3

It is mold & mildew buildup on the evaporator core. Wynns has a service called Airocromatic that kills all the mold and other odors in the car... it makes it smell like a new car. This service works very well. Our dealership uses it and charges $89.95. This is much cheaer than removing the evaporator core to clean it. You might call around and see if dealers in your area carry the same service. Or if you are in the Kansas City area I can tell you of many dealers that use it here, including us.

Answer 4

It could be water pooled in a collection tray.
I have had this problem in the past, I took the face off of the unit, washed the filter with lemon scented pine sole, took out the collection tray & washed that also.
I have found that sometimes mold is the cause of a foul odor.
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

remove the cover on the out side of the house and clean out the leaves and things that have accumulated there since last fall also clear the drain hole if you don't have a drain hole the water will stagnate and give you the moldy musky smell inside the house, so contact an ac repairman to have it installed.

Answer 6

You may have some algae or mold sitting in the pipes inside of it.

I'm sure I've heard of ways to clean them, but I can't remember them with any certainty.

Answer 7

the condensation from the cooling coils is forming bacteria that is being blown into the house. just be sure to run it often. not much you can do about it.

Answer 8

Change the filter regularly.

Answer 9

most people are saying it's your air filter and that's only partitally right. most cars have a CABIN air filter. that's what u need to replace

Answer 10

your drain for a/c condenser is clog or heater core is bad (leaking).