I moved into an older condo about a year ago (built in the 80's); The condo is in great shape, however I have noticed that there are foul smells blowing out of the a.c. vents. The smell is intermittent, sometimes very strong smoke and others it's a terrible rotted smell, that is so disgusting it makes me gag. I had the entire upstairs A.C. unit replaced (b/c it was faulty, not b/c of the smell). The smell continues, and now when the a.c. blows the smell filters through both the upstairs and downstairs. I do not have the money to get the ducts cleaned out, and from what I've read people who have done that still have lingering smells. I have tried different filters, filter fresh odor control, etc., and the smell remains. I do not know what the smell is, or how I can get rid of it - that is cost-friendly if possible, but it's becoming really unberable! Any ideas? Thanks!
2007-06-04 07:27:55 · 12 answers · asked by Jesika 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Another possibility is that the plumbing drain has been disturbed, and you are getting methane gas coming from the plumbing pipes. Have a plumber with a combustible gas detector check the drains and vents. Good luck!
2007-06-04 10:03:21 · answer #1 · answered by poppyman54 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Another possibility is not an expred animal in the ducts, but just close to the unit itself. Had one critter get under my house but died just on the other side of the wall from my furnace unit. Had the same symptoms you describe.
There was a crack open between the garage and under the house. I could barely smell it when I was next to the unit, but when I went further to investigate, found the stinky fiend on the other side of the wall.
2007-06-04 15:19:11 · answer #2 · answered by gary167 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is an uncommon occurrence but we in the trade call it a dirty sox coil. Some evaporator coils come from the manufacture with this problem. What it is are microbs from the houses air are reacting with the alum. oxide in the coil. It almost smells like a dirty gym locker & in some cases it can be so strong that you have to leave the house or get very ill. Only solution is to have the coil replaced with a epoxy treated coil - usually the manufactures warrantee covers the parts and labor.
2007-06-04 14:48:57 · answer #3 · answered by TACTS H 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's most likely something that died in your air duct. Could be anything like a mouse, squirrel, or raccoon. There's probably no cost-effective way to get it out because you'll want a mask or something to protect from the smell. Even if you have one, you'll still smell it. It looks like you'll have to pay for it to be professionally done. Unless you have handy friends that would be nice enough to do it. Sorry about the bad luck.
2007-06-04 14:49:13 · answer #4 · answered by shillins 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe it has more to do with the unit rather then the ducts. It could be the coil like a previous person stated or something else wrong with the unit.
2007-06-04 15:13:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds to me like something died in the duct system. I know you said you can't afford to have it professionally cleaned, but that's about the only thing I can think of that will get to the source of the problem.
2007-06-04 14:39:34 · answer #6 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like a dead animal is in one of the ducts. ( mouse, rat, small cat ) Those ducts are going to have to be cleaned out. Try doing it yourselves. Good luck!!!!!!!
2007-06-12 14:03:10 · answer #7 · answered by curious connie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you have a foul smell coming out, maybe there is a dead chicken. seriously, could be a dead mouse or something. gonna have to look.
2007-06-09 16:34:32 · answer #8 · answered by oldtimer 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like a dead critter! ie mouse
2007-06-04 14:36:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe something died in the duct? ~
2007-06-04 14:34:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋