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Is A Smelly Aircon Unit Bad For Your Health?

Did you know that exposure to odors could result in health effects ranging from none, to mild discomfort, to more serious symptoms? Some chemicals with strong odors may cause eye, nose, throat, or lung irritation. Strong odors may cause some people to feel a burning sensation that leads to coughing, wheezing, or other breathing problems.


Whenever your aircon unit is on, the last thing you want to get from it is a bad odor. However, this could be made impossible since most aircon units nowadays are located outside. With time, they may tend to trap foreign particles that rot and finally bring out odors. Moreover, air coolers produce water as a by-product and this can lead to moisture accumulating in the aircon unit making mold and mildew grow in it. This is one way that brings about odors in most aircon units raising the need for cleaning. Here are some effects of a smelly aircon unit, especially if it is not being maintained or serviced regularly:

Insomnia and Stress

Stress

Through continuous exposure to certain smells, science has shown that the level of stress is likely to be much higher. For people who are also exposed to such odors for long, there is a high possibility of having their nervous systems being less alert. The breathing rate and blood pressure may tend to rise if you sleep in a room with such an odor. This will have tremendous effects on your health in the end as these effects may affect other body parts.

Rising Blood Sugar Levels

blood sugar levels

As more energy is required by the body to perform in such a smelly environment, it becomes crucial that more sugars be broken down; this in the end tends to raise the level of blood sugars that have to be brought down whenever you are not in a smelly environment. Before you realize it, there is a high possibility that you will be diabetic.

Poor Concentration

poor concentration

Whenever there is a good scent, people tend to concentrate more on it, however, more energy is always applied in an attempt to escape the bad smell coming from a smelly aircon unit. When people were previously exposed to the great aroma, they tend to perform better; similarly, a bad odor may result in poor performance especially now that almost everyone is still working from home, which will definitely result in a lack of concentration. With time, even a change of environment to better conditions may have a lasting effect on anyone who was exposed to it.

Here are the most common causes of a smelly aircon unit:

Before you decide to get a professional aircon servicing company to clear up the mess arising from bad smells, here are some areas that you should peep into and clear any mess that may be there:

Clogged aircon drains

Clogged aircon drains

This may result from the continuous use of the aircon unit while it is set to the maximum. This is usually a result of excess water that drips out of your aircon unit giving bacteria a conducive environment in which to thrive. Another reason would be the failure to use the aircon unit for some time can also lead to the growth of bacteria that will eventually bring about a bad smell.

Dust and dirt being accumulated on the air filters

Dust and dirt being accumulated on the air filters

As an aircon unit is working, there is always a tendency to trap dust mites and all forms of dirt on the air filter. With time, you may realize that there are weird smells that are coming out of your aircon unit and the only way out is to clean up the filter or place a completely new one in its place. A professional aircon servicing company recommends replacing your air filters at least every 3 months especially if your aircon unit has been heavily used or you have been sensitive to the effects of dust and dirt.


High Moisture in Air Ducts/Vents

Too much moisture in air ducts/vents can result from high humidity or an unnoticed drainage leak. If you notice a musty smell when using your air conditioner, there's a likelihood of mold and mildew in the ducts. Keep in mind that mold exposure can cause respiratory problems. To prevent this, have the ducts and vents cleaned and repaired to permanently remove musty odors. Also, think about regular air conditioner servicing.

 

Dirty Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils cool the air by removing heat and then circulate it back into your room through air ducts. If your air conditioner smells bad, it likely means dust and dirt have built up on the coils. To prevent mold growth, it's advised to get the coils professionally cleaned.

 

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Your air conditioner brings in warm indoor air, removes humidity, cools it, and sends it back into your home through return vents. Clean filters are crucial for smooth airflow. If filters are dirty, particles obstruct the flow, leading to water droplets from humid indoor air collecting on the evaporator coils. As the air conditioner cools the air, this water condenses on the coils. It's recommended to replace filters every 2-3 months to prevent issues. 


Most Common Aircon Unit Smells and What They Mean

As a professional aircon servicing company, we frequently address homeowner and business owner concerns regarding odors from air conditioning units. Some smells can indicate serious issues that require immediate attention:

  1. Burning or Electrical Odors: These may indicate mechanical issues or electrical component failure. If the smell persists, seek professional assistance.

  2. Gunpowder Smell: This could be a sign of a fried fan motor or circuit board. Inspection by an aircon professional is recommended.

  3. Rotten Egg Smell: Often indicative of a gas leak, this smell should be taken seriously. Evacuate your home and contact the fire department if you suspect a gas leak.

  4. Musty Smells: Often due to mold or mildew, regular cleaning and servicing can alleviate this issue.

  5. Chemical Smells: These can indicate refrigerant leaks or problems with the aircon’s internal components. Professional inspection is advised.


What to do to get back the nice and fresh smell of your aircon unit?

Whenever you notice a change in smell at your place, the first thing that you should do is to definitely clean up the aircon unit. This should be done by a professional aircon servicing company in order to thoroughly clean even hard-to-reach areas of your aircon unit. 

It is important that you clean the drainage line and your air filters to extract any buildup that may be there. You can also try out the methods below if you also think that what you’re experiencing is a type of aircon emergency:

1) De-assemble the aircon unit and look for any mold and mildew accumulation

De-assemble the aircon unit

If there are build-ups on the surfaces of the aircon unit, it may also be one reason why the aircon unit has a bad smell. All that you can do in such a scenario is clean up the molds. However, if you notice that there could be more serious aircon issues other than the molds, then it will be better to call a professional aircon servicing company as your aircon unit might need a chemical overhaul.

2) Checking the drip pan that is usually located at the base of the heat exchange button

Checking the drip pan

This piece of item proves to be an effective remedy when it is cleaned and you can be sure that it may be a cause of all turmoil. The condensate drain pan catches all that humidity and excess water that is removed from your air. It also makes sure the water is safely disposed of outside the home. As your aircon unit cools the air, the evaporator coil fills with refrigerant and makes that refrigerant very cold which can sometimes lead to freezing.

3) There is also a possibility of improving the process of cleaning

improving the process of cleaning

This can be done by spraying a special aircon coil cleaner onto your aircon unit. There have been newer and more effective cleaning solutions that are designed for a certain part of your aircon unit for it to be more efficient. Moreover, it will also be better to call a professional aircon servicing company rather than performing a DIY method as there is a high possibility that toxins and molds are plenty in your home.

4) Drying out an aircon unit is also a crucial part

If this is not done, there is a high possibility of the trapped moisture bringing the aircon issue back. It is important to note that when indoor humidity levels are high, the aircon unit will strain to maintain the required thermal levels inside the house. It will result in uneven cooling and increase the wear and tear of the aircon unit, thereby requiring aircon repairs. Humidity affects the cooling efficiency because it makes the air feel warm.

Always bear in mind that whenever you notice some kind of smell in your aircon unit, know that you are exposing yourself and others close to you to great danger. This is because smelly air may not only have the above-mentioned effects. There are lots of risks that you expose yourself to whenever you allow the bad smell, thus, whenever you want to beat the heat, remember to beat the bad smell from your aircon unit too.

338Aircon

It’s always a good time to talk about the common issues that aircon units have. This way, you’ll be able to spot if there are problems with your unit or not and prepare for its replacement accordingly. If you require our aircon servicing services, WhatsApp us at +65 88554141 for a fast and transparent quote.

338 Aircon Servicing Singapore provides an extensive range of Aircon Services including Aircon Servicing, Aircon Repairs, Aircon Installation of the best aircon brands, Chemical Overhaul, Gas Top-up, Aircon Leaking Water, and Aircon Not Cold Fix, and more. We have a team of professional technicians who are equipped with vast knowledge and experience in the Aircon industry. 

We have over 15 years of experience in dealing with aircon works and have completed thousands of aircon works for both residential (Landed, Condo, and HDB) and commercial. We are a highly recommended Aircon Company in Singapore, with many delighted customers and reviews over the years on Google and Facebook.

WhatsApp us at +65 88554141 for a transparent quotation and honest pricing for all your aircon needs or Call us at +65 8855 4141. We offer a fast and efficient service to serve any of your aircon needs! 

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