When the temperature rises, it’s time to turn on your air conditioner and enjoy the cool, refreshing air. When you turn on the air conditioning, you’ll notice a dirty sock-like smell coming from the unit.
It is a condition known as dirty sock syndrome, which occurs when mold and bacteria thrive in the damp, dark interior of a heating and cooling unit. As a result, you should take action as soon as possible and call air conditioning repair in Langford to remedy the issue.
1. The Primary Causes of the Odor
Here are some of the most prevalent reasons why you are experiencing this smell:
- Dirty Evaporator Coil
Moldy evaporator coils can also cause your air conditioner to smell like feet. Mold and mildew can create foot-like aromas that contribute to the smell of your air conditioning system. To remove mold from the evaporator coil, use a vacuum cleaner and some compressed air.
- Mold Growth
Bacteria grow rapidly and can quickly take over your entire cooling system. Ensure that you always have the air conditioner thoroughly cleaned to remove the odor and eliminate any bacteria that may be present in the unit. Your AC unit can be cleaned and disinfected by the heating and cooling company.
- Water Collection
Moisture might cause your air conditioner to smell like your feet or filthy socks. Your condensate drainage system may be overloaded, you may plug your drain lines, or your AC is leaking water. As a result, bacteria grow in the water, filling your air conditioner with an overpowering foot odor.
2. How to Fix the Issue?
Some ways you can fix this smell:
- Cleaning the Drip Pan
The drip pan is a likely location for the spread of mold and bacteria from the indoor evaporator coil, which is growing and reproducing. It’s important to keep an eye on the drip pan and ensure it’s clean. Before reinstalling, remove the pan from the unit, drain any water in it, and then clean it thoroughly with mild soap or bleach.
- Replacing the Filters
Changing your air filters once a month would be ideal. As a result, you’ll see a rise in your utility bills, a decrease in air quality, and even mold growth in the evaporator coils. Many people are trying to save money by purchasing a cheaper filter. After all, you’ll end up needing to replace them more frequently.
- Inspect the Evaporator Coil
If you avoid replacing the filters, you will have to clean the coils. To do so, turn off the power to the AC, remove the front panel of the indoor unit, and spray compressed air across the metal coils of the device. AC installation in Langford, BC, will treat the coil to eliminate contaminants and prevent harm to your air conditioner’s function.
Get in Touch With Experts
HI Mechanical makes air conditioner maintenance a breeze. It’s our job to locate the root of the problem in your AC unit so that you can keep cool for many years to come! Call us at (250) 589-8959 for more information.
