Air conditioner odor

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

We have an airconditioner unit in the wall of our house...no central air. The house always has an odor when the the air is on. The filter is clean,

I don't know what else to do to try and find the source of the smell. This is not a new issue but today when we got home and the air was on I noticed the smell...it just seemed worse to me. Any thoughts?

spumoni99 · ‎02-16-2019

Is there an odor in the yard since the air conditioner pulls in the outside air?

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@spumoni99 No outside smells...it's almost like the house has been closed up to long. We never run the unit at night so if the air is on all day, the house gets opened up in the evening before bed with plenty of time to air out..

spumoni99 · ‎02-16-2019

Is there anywhere in the unit where there is water? I don't remember how the wall units work I may be confusing that with a swamp cooler.

bikerbabe · ‎03-09-2010

When was the last time your unit was serviced?
You said your filter is clean. It’s possible you have a mold or mildew buildup in the AC unit or in your vents.

50Mickey · ‎05-21-2010

How old is the A/C unit? Maybe it needs to be replaced.

bikerbabe · ‎03-09-2010

What about the drain/drip pan? Every ac unit has condensate that goes somewhere.

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

The unit has never dripped, seems odd but it's true.

It is old and air conditioners are not made like they were in the past..and since it is built into the wall we would have to have some work done to the wall if we switch out units, which can be done but just an added expense.

As far as servicing, that never occured to us as it worked but possibly the odor is coming from inside the unit.

I have a handy man coming to the house in a few weeks to replace a kitchen faucet, I will discuss with him and see what he has to say.

Another new name Sue · ‎03-11-2010

Must be a musty smell. Contact manufacturer or google search.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

Most AC units have condensation going on somewhere inside the unit and if the water gets blocked from draining away then it will allow mold and bacteria to grow inside and or around where the water should be draining away which is usually into small drain hose or small pipe onto a pan or down onto the ground below outside. Musty smells are usually associated with mold.