Unpleasant smell from the air conditioner

How to clean your home air conditioner yourself

Do-it-yourself air conditioner cleaning is a simple procedure. Even if you are not particularly versed in technology and prefer not to interfere with its work, cleaning the filters of the indoor unit will not be difficult for you. It is recommended to do this at least once a month, and if the air is very dirty or there is an allergy sufferer at home, then 1-2 times a week. Agree - you won't be able to call specialists so often.

What happens if you don't clean the filters

If you cannot clean the air conditioner with your own hands and do not want to use the services of special centers, be prepared for the consequences:

• the air will no longer be cooled properly;
• the radiator of the indoor unit will not be blown well;
• the refrigeration system will not work properly;
• the drainage system becomes dirty;
• cleaning the appliance will be difficult as too much dirt will settle on the filters.

As a result of all this, a favorable environment for mites and mold is formed inside the air conditioner, and a corresponding odor will appear from the system. Who wants to endure all this at home? It is much easier to clean the air conditioner in time.

How to clear filters

Cleaning the air conditioner filters is the easiest procedure that you can do with your own hands. Of course, different models have their own characteristics, but most devices have a similar device. It is better to clean the filters as indicated in the instructions, but if it is not there, use our tips:

• carefully open the top cover of the indoor unit;
• take out the air filter;
• if there is little dust, you can clean it with a vacuum cleaner;
• if the dirt has turned into a crust and does not come off, you can gently rinse the filter under running water. Just don't rub it too hard and don't use household chemicals for your home;
• dry the filter;
• turn on the air conditioner in fan mode and spray a special cleaner and disinfectant in the air intake area;
• wipe the blinds with a damp cloth or wash them under running water;
• assemble the appliance.

Important: disposable air-cleaning filters against odors and harmful microorganisms cannot be washed - they must be changed periodically

How to clean the heat exchanger

You can also use a vacuum cleaner to clean the heat exchanger of the air conditioner. Sometimes so much dirt accumulates that cleaning is only possible with a special steam cleaner. Doing this with your own hands is not recommended, as there is a risk of damage to internal parts. The heat exchanger is usually located either directly under the cover or behind the filter (in the case of a double air purification system).

How to clean an outdoor unit

The external unit is the hardest to clean. Fortunately, this should be done once a year. If the air conditioner is not too high and you can easily reach it yourself, then you can do without specialists:

• carefully unscrew the protective grill of the air conditioner;
• vacuum the grate itself and the inside of the block;
• assemble the device.

If you live on the upper floors, then self-cleaning of the external unit is not recommended: it is better not to risk your own health and call the masters.

Also, the help of specialists will not be superfluous if the system has stopped working normally (knocks, leaks, etc.).

Timely cleaning will help you avoid a lot of trouble. If you do not want to spend money on calling specialists once again, it is quite possible to do it yourself.

Antibacterial filters

What method helped you get rid of the smell from the air conditioner?

Disinfection Filter cleaning

As technology advances, companies are starting to offer self-cleaning air conditioners. This function does not mean that you can stop taking care of the appliances, but it makes it easier to care for and slows down the contamination process. The filters used in these innovative air conditioners are listed in the table.

Antibacterial filters

What is the cause of the unpleasant smell from the air conditioner?

New equipment may smell of plastic in the early days when switched on, but this is usually not a malfunction. After a few days, the smell disappears.

The air conditioner absorbs all the smells of the room over time

At the same time, users of the air conditioner feel an unpleasant smell in the apartment only if the device is working. The fact is that when the air conditioner is turned off, mold or other dangerous bacteria can form in it, and when the equipment is turned on, harmful microorganisms, along with a stream of air, get outside, directly into your apartment. Therefore, before turning on the air conditioner, you need to disinfect its interior.

Before turning on the air conditioner, you need to disinfect its inside.

It is also worth noting that the air conditioner absorbs all the smells of the room over time. Where new furniture is located, this is especially pronounced.

If the drainage system is not taken out into the street, but into the sewerage system, it is necessary to install an odor trap

The smell of dampness from the air conditioner in the apartment. How to fix it?

Special products will help kill bacteria in the air conditioner.

Such a phenomenon as the smell of dampness from an air conditioner in an apartment is most often observed. The source is mold and bacteria. They populate the interior of the device, since the presence of humidity and high temperature creates optimal conditions for the growth of the colony. The appearance of harmful microorganisms, in addition to an unpleasant odor, can harm the health of the inhabitants of the house. Therefore, it is necessary to solve this problem without delay. To do this, take the following steps.

• Washing, antiseptic treatment and drying. It is enough to spray the composition in the place of air intake for cooling.
• Some models are equipped with a fan function to remove moisture inside the appliance. This reduces the risk of damp odors coming from the air conditioner in the apartment.

It is better to entrust the first cleaning of the air conditioner to professionals.

If these measures did not bring the desired result, then you will need to disassemble the device, clean and process the internal elements. With a lack of experience, such a procedure should be entrusted to a specialist at least for the first time. It is not particularly difficult, and the observations obtained will be sufficient in the future to carry out work on their own.

Sewer smell

Such "amber" indicates an incorrect design of the drain system. Connecting to a sewer pipe requires the installation of a siphon. It will act as a water seal and will not allow the smell to penetrate into the air conditioner, and from there into the room. The snake-shaped bend of the drainage tube is not able to correct the situation and eliminate the unpleasant the smell from the air conditioner in apartment.

Repair of odor traps

how to pierce the toiletThe reasons for the malfunctioning of the water seal:

1. With an increase in pressure in the sewer system, air from the pipe can "break through" the water plug. In this case, water usually splashes out from the drain hole with a noise. However, the stall can be almost imperceptible, and the gas enters the apartment in the form of small bubbles.
2. The section of the pipe is blocked by drains, as a result of which a rarefaction of air is observed in the system, which draws air out of the siphon. When the water is drained, the water seal disappears completely, and gases can freely enter the apartment.

The cross-section of the pipes completely fills the drains in the following situations:

1. During the installation of the sewerage system, pipes were used smaller than those provided by building codes.
2. The pipes have a suitable cross-section, but their clearance during operation has decreased due to blockages or icing. The latter is possible if the pipeline runs through an unheated attic.
3. In the process of replacing the sewage system, the pipes were laid without observing a certain angle of inclination. Sewage pumps in apartments are installed very rarely, therefore, it is imperative to maintain a slope of 2 centimeters per meter of pipe, otherwise the drains will be delayed.

The causes of the smell

Many people who use air conditioners believe that this appliance needs no maintenance, but this is not the case!

If you do not pay attention to it at all, over time, the smell from the air conditioner in the apartment will not only worsen the quality of life, but also pollute the air. Like any other system that affects the microclimate, this device needs periodic maintenance.

There are several main reasons why air conditioners stop functioning properly:

• Accumulation of fungi and harmful bacteria.
• Accumulation of odors spreading throughout the room.

Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna

The air conditioner is not capable of complete self-cleaning and every owner of this device needs to understand that its resources are not endless. An excess of dust particles that have entered the device through the fans will sooner or later lead to the failure of the entire system.

Bacteria and fungus

No matter how clean the air in the house where the air conditioner is, it still contains a certain amount of bacteria, spores, microbes, and so on.

Since the device inevitably generates condensation during operation, microbes interact with moisture. Water, being a nutrient substrate for bacteria, leads to their rapid growth.

An unpleasant odor appears if this water is not removed for a long time or is not completely removed. In a humid environment, bacteria multiply rapidly, thinning the specific pungent odor that quickly fills the house.

The longer the air conditioner is off, the more microorganisms accumulate in it. The reason for this is that low temperatures inhibit reproduction, while high temperatures accelerate them.

Smells from the room

An air conditioner that uses air from the room in which it is located.

The problem of accumulation of odors is not typical for all air conditioners - some models use outside air, some - room air. This section will focus on the second option. By sucking in air, air conditioners release it in a compressed form. The result is a vicious circle - the device takes odors from the room and gives them back in greater concentration. This process is called recirculation.

In addition to room "aromas", unpleasant odors can be caused by:

No siphon

It looks like a siphon for draining condensate from air conditioners.

There are various ways to remove accumulated liquid from the air conditioner - sometimes it is discharged into the street, sometimes it passes through the sewer. If preference is given to the sewer method, then the presence of a siphon will be a prerequisite. Unfortunately, some owners of air conditioners are limited to the so-called. "Pseudo-siphons". These parts often do not cope with their duties and contribute to the appearance of a leak.

If the liquid that gets from the air conditioner into the wastewater ends up in the apartment, then it will take a long time to get rid of its consequences. The unpleasant smell will remain in the rooms even after the owner of the device has eliminated all the consequences of the accident. The most effective way to fix this problem is to dismantle it.

Recommendations for self-cleaning of the outdoor unit

It will take considerable effort to clean the outdoor unit. It is advisable to carry out such a procedure at least once every 12 months. In order not to spend money on calling the master, you can try to carry out cleaning work yourself if the device is at an easily accessible height. For this you need:

• unscrew the protective grill;
• use a vacuum cleaner to clean the grate and internal parts of the unit;
• assemble an external block.

Timely cleaning of the air conditioner will help to avoid damage to the device.

Cleaning the unit involves cleaning external parts located on the street side, so if the device is at a dangerous height, then it is not worth the risk. You should call qualified specialists who can safely and efficiently perform the necessary work.

Timely cleaning of the air conditioner will help to avoid breakdowns in the device, including eliminating unpleasant odors when the air conditioner is operating in the apartment.

The best remedy that will save you from air conditioner breakdowns and unpleasant odors in the apartment is timely prevention.

What causes odors?

Many people wonder why, when you turn on the air conditioner, there is an unpleasant smell? Moreover, regardless of when the split-system was purchased (a few weeks ago, months or years), it can produce unpleasant "aromas". There may be several reasons:

1. The device contains an accumulation of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, which can develop in the condensate taken outside. This can cause an unpleasant odor, which can be dealt with by installing a siphon.
2. Accumulation of odors in an apartment or house, which is pulled by the climatic device under certain conditions, for example, when heated. So, if an unpleasant smell reigns in the room, then the device will also give it out. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the smell, ventilate your home daily. It should also be noted that new furniture, plastics, synthetics, etc. can also emit a specific smell.
3. Prolonged non-use of the split system. This is because during this time the water in the siphon has already dried up, which gives an unpleasant smell when the air conditioner is turned on. Then you need to wait until the required volume of water is collected in the condenser. If the smell still bothers you, then it is best to see a specialist.Since the device absorbs humid air from the room and expels it through itself, it is a favorable environment for the multiplication of various microorganisms and mold. In addition, dampness can be found in the apartment, and this may not be the best way to affect human health. The technician will clean the interior of your air conditioner and use a steam generator on the evaporator. This procedure is recommended to be carried out once a year, regardless of whether you smell an unpleasant smell or not.
4. Clogged drainage due to long-term non-use of the air conditioner during winter. During this time, it can rot, which is why pathogenic bacteria appear. You will notice an unpleasant odor immediately after switching on for the first time. Then the indoor unit should be cleaned and disinfected.

Air conditioner device

In addition, clogged filters from the split system can be the cause of an unpleasant odor in the room. How often they need to be changed is indicated in the operating instructions for the device.

If everything is ok, but the smell of sewage in the bathroom persists

Sometimes, with perfect cleanliness, careful handling of plumbing fixtures and correct installation of the system, there are still odors in the rooms. Most likely, this is due to excess pressure in the sewer riser.

It is possible to get rid of this problem by reworking the system only in a private house, and residents of apartment buildings, especially new buildings, suffer from such inconveniences more often.

The solution in this case is to install a vacuum valve for the sewage system on the riser or lounger.

Of course, the installation of such a device is real only when replacing the riser or (the best option) overhauling the sewage system.

The prices for vacuum valves are quite high (compared to other elements of communications), but their use allows you to get rid of the sore problem of the smell of sewage in the toilet and kitchen.

Preventive measures against unpleasant odor

In order not to be disturbed by an unpleasant smell during operation and after turning off the air conditioner, it is necessary to take preventive measures, which are as follows:

Clean the filters once every 2 weeks, and once a year contact the service center to clean the air conditioner.
To clean the drainage system, which can become clogged as a result of an illiterate installation of the air conditioner, which leads to the accumulation of water on the tray of the device, where bacteria grow well. If you find stagnant water, then find out the reasons for its appearance. If everything is in order, but the smell continues to bother you, then try using chlorhexidine, which perfectly fights this problem, being an antiseptic drug.
After removing the filters, it is necessary to spray disinfectant into the interior of the air conditioner about once a month. When performing these manipulations, the device must be turned off. The climatic device should be turned on only after 20 minutes and preferably in dehumidification mode.
Wipe the movable blades of the air conditioner with a damp cloth, preferably made of microfiber, remove all contaminants that cause an unpleasant odor

At the same time, it is important not to damage them, and to get to hard-to-reach places, you can use a long knitting needle. Dry the air conditioner thoroughly after cleaning.

Thus, so that you are not disturbed by an unpleasant smell during and after operation of the air conditioner, it is important to clean it in time to prevent its occurrence. Taking proper care of the climatic device, you take care not only of its condition, but also of your health.

Unpleasant odors can be caused by bacteria or mold that accumulates inside the device. This is due to the fact that condensation always forms on the evaporator due to the temperature difference between it and the environment.If the air conditioner is used, then the condensate is removed using a drainage system, but when the device is turned off for a long time, bacteria begin to multiply in it.

The second reason for the unpleasant odor is the accumulation and concentration of odors from the street. If the air that is already in it, and not fresh from the street, is used to cool the territory, then the aromas of cleaning products, tobacco smoke and many others are given back in a concentrated form.

Improper installation of the drainage system of the air conditioner can also cause odors. If there is no siphon in the drainage structure, and the moisture removal is directed to the sewer, then all odors from the latter can return to the house. In this case, you cannot do without dismantling the entire system and fixing the problem.

How does dust affect the formation of unpleasant odors?

Most of all, an unpleasant smell comes from the air conditioner in rooms that are dirty and dusty, with a weak ventilation system and rare wet cleaning, so the answer to the question of why this happens is quite obvious. Where there are many carpets and upholstered furniture, air circulation is poor. And the air conditioner drives the air of the room through itself, while from the street it does not absorb it. The solution to this problem also lies on the surface - frequent wet cleaning should be carried out, the quality of air exchange should be improved.

As a result of such dustiness, the first thing to suffer is the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, as well as the fan turbine, since it is covered with a layer of dust. Water then covers it, thus forming a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Hence the unpleasant musty smell.

It should be noted that after a while the device will emit similar odors that are present in the room, especially if there are smokers in the house. The split system will also stink of tobacco smoke. In addition, persistent odors from the kitchen will also allow the appliance to pass through and release them back into the room. True, people living in it are unlikely to be able to notice them.

Frequent wet cleaning should be carried out to improve the quality of air exchange.

How to eliminate an unpleasant smell from an air conditioner in an apartment

If, after turning on the device, the room is filled with an extraneous "scent", you can try to adjust your sense of smell to identify the category of smell. This technique will facilitate further actions.

Smell of plastic

If unpleasant odors appear, it is necessary to check whether the elements of the air conditioner melt.

Some air conditioners belonging to the low price category are capable of saturating the air with the "fragrance" of plastic when first turned on. This problem disappears by itself after a few days. However, it must be ensured that the system components do not melt when operating in heating mode.

Burning smell of insulating materials

The main thing, when a burning smell appears, is to disconnect the air conditioner from the network.

If a characteristic aroma appears, it is recommended to disconnect the device from the mains. This will avoid troubles: burnout of wiring, exit of the air conditioner from working condition, etc. You should not look for a breakdown on your own, it is better to contact a service center for maintenance and repair.

How to remove

How to get rid of the pungent smell of air conditioner? Dehumidification is considered the best option. It is quite possible that such a function is not available if you purchased the split system a long time ago. As for modern models, they are usually equipped with this advantage. What exactly does the dehumidification function mean? This is an opportunity to leave the fan on for a while after the final shutdown of the air conditioner itself. What is so remarkable about this characteristic? Its use allows you to thoroughly dry the evaporator and, accordingly, independently eliminate unpleasant odors.

If such a function is not provided in your split-system, then for sure you can simply activate the "ventilation" mode. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and the effect will be the same. Very often, the problem with the stench that the air conditioner exudes is formed due to the admission of a number of errors during the installation of the system. Hence the stagnant water and the odors that annoy you. You can remove this kind of trouble only with a competent reinstallation of the drainage system.

Another effective option for eliminating unpleasant odors from an air conditioner is disinfection. To do this, you need to get professional cleaning products. There are a lot of universal preparations that allow you to clean both your home air conditioner and your car air conditioner.

Eliminate odors

Getting rid of annoying odors "settled" in the air conditioner implies a similar scheme of actions, which includes three stages:

1. Washing of dirt and mold.
2. Rinsing and disinfection of parts (not all parts of the air conditioner are allowed to be washed).
3. Thorough drying.

Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna

If the dirt is small, it makes sense to try to get rid of them without disassembling the split-system of the device. However, with this method, only a short-term effect can be achieved.

Removing moisture manually

Most modern air conditioners are equipped with a function to delay the shutdown of the fan after the end of the operation of the air conditioner. The meaning of this delay is the additional time that is given to the fan to evaporate the accumulated condensate. In those models that do not provide this useful option, it is recommended to turn on manual ventilation. Timely dehumidification will prevent the device from becoming a “shelter” for bacteria.

In some cases, the causes of moisture stagnation lie in improper installation. As a result of the master's mistake, the water in a certain area does not evaporate even with the help of fans, forming a swamp. Such a miscalculation requires reinstalling the drainage system.

Disinfection

There are special antibacterial agents on the market for cleaning air conditioners.

For the purpose of cleaning, the use of alternative options is also allowed, such as:

The technique for using all of these products is very simple:

1. Evaporator treatment with antibacterial liquid.
2. Liquid draining into the sump.
3. Moving around the drainage system and cleaning it.

Such prevention does not always lead to tangible results. If after it the smell does not go away, then only the analysis of the device remains, followed by processing of all internal surfaces and the impeller.

Cleaning the filter

The "heart" of the air conditioner is its filter - it is he who accumulates dirt and requires periodic maintenance. Care methods are determined by the type of filter - some air conditioners are equipped with reusable filters, others are disposable. Reusable filters should be washed and disposable filters replaced. Since changing the filter is not difficult, we will focus on cleaning it.

Each air conditioner is unique in its own way, and therefore, before making any manipulations with it, you need to read the instructions.

There are no universal rules for caring for such devices, because different models have a lot of nuances.

If we describe the process in general terms, then it consists of the following actions:

1. Opening the top cover of the indoor unit.
2. Removing the filter.
3. Cleaning dust with a vacuum cleaner (if the contamination is minor).
4. Rinsing the filter under running water (if the dirt is dry and crusty). It is forbidden to use household chemicals, as well as thorough rubbing.
5. Drying the filter.
6. Returning the filter to its place and turning on the fan (this action will remove all residual moisture).
7. Spraying antibacterial agent in the air intake area.
8. Wipe down the blinds with a damp cloth.
9. Assembling the air conditioner.

Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna

If you are not sure that you can disassemble the device yourself, we recommend that you seek professional help. They will determine if it is advisable to wash the filter and identify potential problems.

How to remove stench from air conditioner

Whichever cleaning method you choose, you have to wash off the mold, disinfect all the parts and dry them well. To do this, you need to disassemble the device yourself or call the masters. In cases where the odor is weak, split - the system can be left without disassembly. It is worth considering that these actions can save you from the problem only for a short time.

In cases where the smell is weak, split - the system can not be disassembled

However, there are several more effective methods for removing the smell from the air conditioner in the apartment, which you can try at home.

Home air conditioner care

Drying a humid environment

Many types of air conditioners are equipped with a function that delays the shutdown of the fan for a while after the air conditioner itself stops. As a result, the evaporator is dehumidified to prevent odors.

Odor can usually only be removed by reinstalling the drainage system.

Treatment of the air conditioner with antibacterial agents

It is not news that there are a large number of antibacterial agents that are sold in specialized stores. How to treat the air conditioner in the apartment from the smell, the employee of the auto shop will be able to tell you. Such products are actually sold in almost every auto parts store, since the air conditioner in a car is not much different in design from a household air conditioner.

Chlorhexidine is a good and inexpensive disinfectant. You can buy it at almost any pharmacy. Treatment with this product is one of the most effective ways to get rid of a bad smell.

Chlorhexidine is a good and inexpensive disinfectant.

Chlorhexidine treats the evaporator, from which the solution flows first into the sump and then into the drain, and thus the main sources of odor are disinfected. Unfortunately, this method is not always effective. Sometimes it is necessary to disassemble the device and disinfect all internal parts, as well as the fan.

Do not use a tool that has not been verified by users. Use only specialized products that have passed all levels of sanitary inspection.

Sometimes you have to disassemble the device and disinfect all internal parts, as well as the fan

Antibacterial filters

The question before you was how to get rid of the smell of the air conditioner in the apartment? And oddly enough, filters can help you with this. There are a large number of models that are able to fight harmful bacteria and odors themselves.

The main types of filters:

• photocatalytic filter: this filter absorbs organic odors and titanium dioxide, which is a powerful catalyst that accelerates the breakdown of organic compounds;
• plasma ionizer: the filtering effect is achieved due to the powerful ionization of air under high voltage, which guarantees protection from extraneous odors;
• catechin filter: this filter contains catechin, which is an effective disinfectant;

Antibacterial filters