Our home has a very bad strong smell every time the air kicks on, does anyone know what it could be?

Answer 1

It is most likely off-gassing from fungi growing in your evaporator coil and blower wheel of the air handler. This is the inside unit, typically located in a closet or the garage.

To investigate, turn off the power at the breaker, open up the sheet metal panels covering the fornt of the unit. Shine the flashlight inside and see if you can find fungal growth (mold).
If this is the culprit, you will probably be assaulted with the mystery odor when you open up the panels.

If mold is the answer, contact a reliable a/c company that has indoor air quality expertise, and they can advise you on the relative merits of replacement vs. clean-up. (generally, an old unit is not recommended for clean-up)

Duct cleaning is NOT advisable for the treatment of mold.

Answer 2

properly, that is sweat that motives the scent, besides the undeniable fact that the scent would not easily come from the sweat. Sweat itself is extremely sparkling, it is purely the micro organism that favor to stay in it that reason the scent. a similar is going for body scent; it is micro organism.

Answer 3

Could be mold in the vents or in the unit. Best to check it all out.

Answer 4

could be condensation ie mold.could be dost and such built up in your duct work.I would look into having a pro clean out the ducts.also would cut down on dust in your home :)

Answer 5

yeah, either some kind of mold/bacteria or an animal carcass. My friend said his family found a dead rat in their wall, but I won't gross you out with the details...

Answer 6

something dead in the vents.. the worse the smell.. the larger the dead thing.

Answer 7

had a birdsnest in mine somehow one time.......baby birds were dead and the smell was terrible

Answer 8

Something could be dead in your ductwork.