After several months or even years after installing the air conditioner, its owners may experience an unpleasant odor that comes out when the device is turned on. Such a situation can completely discourage the desire to use this expensive and very useful device, therefore, the smell from the air conditioner in the apartment should be eliminated as soon as possible, otherwise the funds spent on the purchase of the device will be wasted.

The smell from the air conditioner in the apartment should be eliminated as soon as possible.

One way or another, you should not make hasty conclusions about the malfunction of the air conditioner, since experience shows that a split system can manifest itself this way during operation, and this is considered the norm.

Do not jump to conclusions about the malfunction of the air conditioner

So that the accumulated dust and bacteria do not directly fall on all family members, you need to follow certain rules:

• install the air conditioner correctly and direct its blades so that the air stream does not fall on the bed or table, that is, in those places where you linger for a long time;
• the difference between the set temperature in the room and the temperature outside should not exceed 10 degrees Celsius, otherwise there is a chance of catching a cold.

The difference between the set temperature in the room and the temperature outside should not exceed 10 degrees Celsius

• the smell of burning, which most often appears due to burnt wiring. In this case, you should disconnect the device from the network and call a specialist, since it is not recommended to fix problems of this kind on your own;
• musty and musty smell. Is the most pressing problem faced by most air conditioner users;
• smell of plastic. Most often, it comes only from inexpensive devices.

The smell of plastic most often comes only from inexpensive devices

What is the reason for the bad smell from the air conditioner?

From new equipment in the first days, when turned on, the smell of plastic may come from, but this, as a rule, is not a sign of a malfunction. After a few days, the smell disappears.

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

Important! The smell of dampness is caused by mold, fungus and dirt, which can be inside the device case.

At the same time, air conditioner users 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, together with the air stream, get outside, right into your apartment. Therefore, before turning on the air conditioner, you need to disinfect its inside.

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 there is new furniture, this is especially pronounced.

If the drainage system is not brought out into the street, but into the sewerage system, it is necessary to install a siphon against odors

Air Conditioner Drainage System

If the drainage system is not brought out into the street, but into the sewerage system, it is necessary to install a siphon against odors. This is done in order to prevent the penetration of stench from the sewer pipes into the apartment.

However, water can dry out in the siphon if the equipment has not been working for a long time. This must be given special attention and time to add water. If the drainage goes outside, a siphon will not be needed.

Water can dry out in the siphon if the equipment has not been working for a long time

How to eliminate stench from an air conditioner

Whatever cleaning method you choose, you will have to wash off the mold, disinfect all parts and dry them well. To do this, you need to disassemble the device yourself or call the masters. In cases where the smell is weak, the split system can not be disassembled. 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, the split system can not be disassembled

However, there are several more effective ways to remove the smell from the air conditioner in the apartment that you can try at home.

home air conditioner maintenance

Dehumidification of a humid environment

Many types of air conditioners are equipped with a function that delays turning off the fan for a while after the air conditioner itself stops. As a result, the evaporator is dried, which prevents the appearance of odors.

Important! Places where water will accumulate and create a favorable environment for microorganisms may appear due to improper installation.

You can usually remove the smell only 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 process the air conditioner in the apartment from the smell, the employee of the auto shop will be able to tell you. Such funds are really 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 in almost any pharmacy. Treatment with this tool is one of the most effective ways to get rid of a fetid odor.

Chlorhexidine is a good and inexpensive disinfectant.

The evaporator is treated with chlorhexidine, from which the solution exits 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 you have 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

Before you was the question, 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.

Main types of filters:

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

Antibacterial filters

Damp smell from air conditioner

The persistent smell of damp from the air conditioner in the apartment is evidence of an excessively high degree of pollution, which can only be removed by a specialist. All that is needed to prevent such a problem is a partial disassembly of the unit, which is done on site.

Important! To prolong the life of the air conditioner, it is recommended to clean it at least once a year.

This will help protect your health and create a comfortable environment in the apartment next to the air conditioner while heating or cooling the room.

The persistent smell of dampness from the air conditioner in the apartment is evidence of an excessively high degree of pollution, which can only be removed by a specialist

The consequences of untimely cleaning of the air conditioner

Be prepared for trouble like this:

• the air will not cool;
• cessation of blowing the radiator of the indoor unit (overheating of the air conditioner);
• breakdown of the cooling system;
• failure of the filter without the possibility of its recovery.

You can clean the air conditioner filter from dirt without the help of specialists

How to clean the filter yourself

You can clean the air conditioner filter from dirt without the help of specialists. Of course, different types of air conditioners have their own characteristics, but in most cases their design is similar. You can clean the filter according to the instructions attached to the device or following the following recommendations (all manipulations are carried out with the indoor unit already dismantled and de-energized).

Some time after the appearance of the air conditioner in the house, users begin to notice unpleasant odors. Over time, the sensations intensify. Motorists face the same problem. It is clear that such a situation discourages all desire to use the device. Why does an unpleasant smell appear from the air conditioner, and how can it be eliminated?

The prerequisite for the birth of the problem is itself the principle of operation of the apparatus. It's all about the heat exchanger, which is located in the internal unit of the equipment. Everything develops according to this scenario.

Development of bacteria

In working condition, the temperature inside the heat exchanger is much lower than that heated in the room.

The result of condensation is moisture - it is discharged into the provided pan and leaves through the drainage tubes. But along with it inside the device are dust and harmful microorganisms. It is these uninvited "guests", in contact with the condensate, and begin to form a beneficial nutrient medium. Now it is enough for them to start multiplying - this will become a prerequisite for the fact that the device stinks when turned on.

No siphon

However, the reason for the colonization of machinery by fungi and bacteria is far from the only problem. The second factor could be drainage without siphons. The fact is that if excess moisture from the air conditioner is drained into the sewer, it is necessary to prevent the suction of unpleasant "aromas" of the operation of this system.

It is better to immediately abandon the pseudo-siphons - there is a risk of leakage of the device. But even with the original siphons, incidents happen - suppose, when the equipment has not been used for a long time. Then the water in them will dry up, and an unpleasant smell will reappear in the apartment. The problem will pass when the entire volume of the siphon is filled with condensate again.

Stagnant water can also form as a result of improper installation. In this case, a microswamp is formed inside the device with all the ensuing consequences.

recycling

Finally, air conditioner odor can be the result of recycling. This means that the air simply "chases in a circle", which means that there is a possibility that the device will draw in and accumulate all the apartment smells. Most often, the source is new furniture, which contains a lot of formaldehyde resins, as well as synthetic and plastic things.

How to deal with the problem

There are several ways to eliminate the unpleasant odor in the air conditioner:

• dry the moisture in it;
• redo the drainage system;
• carry out appropriate antibacterial treatment.

The first method can be implemented by delaying the fan shutdown after the appliance itself has stopped working. So it is possible drain the evaporator and prevent the formation of unpleasant odors.

But in some models there is no such possibility: in this case, it can be dried by turning on the ventilation mode manually.

If it smells due to improper installation, then the elimination of the problem is solved only alteration of the entire drainage. We must look: if moisture forms in the indoor unit, then you can try to rearrange it horizontally. It is very important to deal with such stagnation before starting the disinfection treatment.

As for antibacterial treatment, it can be carried out using specialized tools. If the problem has affected the cabin air conditioner in the car, then you should contact the appropriate stores. Good results will be given medical disinfectants(for example, lysol). Here it is necessary to process the evaporator: it will drain into the sump, and then it will enter the drainage system and clean it. However, sometimes such a measure is not enough, you have to disassemble the air conditioner and treat all its internal parts with an antibacterial solution.

Prevention of the problem

Some filters can help reduce the risk of odors when the device is turned on. The following types are commonly used:

• photocatalytic;
• plasma ionizer;
• plant filters.

In the first case, the possibility of ultraviolet radiation is used to decompose organic matter into harmless components - for example, carbon oxides and water. At the same time, all foreign odors are absorbed.

Titanium white is most often used as a process catalyst. You can buy such assistants in companies producing climate equipment.

What plasma ionizer? Outwardly, it looks like this design: metal plates, between which a voltage of several thousand volts is applied. Naturally, during such a process, all harmful microorganisms will be destroyed.

Herbal remedies will also play a good role. For example, catechin filter obtained from tea leaves of medicinal plants. Catechin will disarm viruses by enveloping them and preventing them from attaching to anything.

The filter obtained from Japanese wasabi works on the same principle.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the problem of foreign odors from the air conditioner should definitely be fought, because they cause not only natural disgust. A secondary severe consequence will be the development of allergies and asthma, especially in children and the elderly. So, if you notice a smell, despite the use of filters, you must urgently call the master, who will solve this unpleasant problem.

16.06.2017 1 6 495 views

In order for the device to always fill the room with fresh air, you need to know why there is a smell from the air conditioner when you turn it on and off and how to remove it?

There are many methods for dealing with bad odor coming from the air conditioner, but before using one of them, you need to determine the cause of its occurrence.

Causes of Bad Smell

An unpleasant odor can come from a split system for various reasons, in particular such as:

• a long break in the operation of the device;
• improper care;
• untimely filter change.

If the air conditioner is used only in summer, dust and moisture may accumulate in the unit, resulting in an unpleasant odor that is released immediately after being turned on. To prevent this, turn on the device as often as possible.

Also, one of the reasons may not be good enough care, which is why the device must be periodically disassembled, cleaned and washed.

Important! Replace filters in a timely manner and preferably install them with a bacterial effect.

Why does the air conditioner smell when turned on?

Often, a bad smell can come from the air conditioner in the apartment when turned on. To establish the cause and eliminate it, you need to determine the nature of the smell itself. It could be:

• The smell of plastic is felt mainly immediately after turning on the new device. This disadvantage is mainly present in cheap models. Just a few days later, it disappears on its own and is not considered a violation. However, it is worth making sure that the plastic parts do not melt inside the split system itself, which can happen in heating mode.
• Burnt insulation - you should immediately turn off the air conditioner from the mains, as this may indicate overheating of the wiring, and this is a high probability of a possible fire. To fix this problem, you must call a specialist.
• Dampness or rot - the source can be various bacteria that have accumulated inside the device. To prevent the accumulation of bacteria, you need to ensure that the air conditioner is installed correctly, as installation errors can cause fluid stagnation. In addition, an unpleasant odor may also be due to the installation of a drainage system without siphons. If the condensate of the air conditioner is discharged into the sewer, then it is necessary to install siphons, otherwise all odors will penetrate into the room.

The air conditioner does not take air from the street, but moves it in the room, so if there is a source of bad smell, the device gradually accumulates it. Such sources can be plastic products, as well, since it contains a lot of resins.

In addition, dust accumulated inside the split system can be a source, if there are smokers in the house, then the smell of tobacco, as well as the aromas of the kitchen.

How to fix the problem?

Many owners of air conditioners, feeling the stench after installing the device, are wondering what freon smells like from the air conditioner. It is worth noting that this gas, even in the event of a leak, does not have any smell, it cannot be felt. The only sign of freon leakage will be a decrease in pressure level or if the air conditioner starts to work worse.

There are several ways to get rid of the unpleasant smell coming from the air conditioner, depending on the reason that provoked its occurrence:

1. In particular, dehumidification is considered a good method. This can be done using a special function or using the ventilation function.
2. If the installation is not carried out correctly, liquid stagnation is often observed and as a result, a stench is formed in the house. In this case, you need to change the drainage system or, if moisture accumulates in the indoor unit, install it in a horizontal position.
3. If blowing smells bad, then periodically it is necessary to carry out special antibacterial treatment. It is carried out by using special tools designed to clean the split system. During disinfection, the evaporator is first treated, then the sump and then the drainage system. However, sometimes this is not enough and it is necessary to completely disassemble the system in order to clean all its internal parts.
4. You can also remove the smelly smell with the help of ordinary table vinegar, which will also help eliminate various bacteria. To do this, turn off the air conditioner, wait until it cools down and carefully process all parts of the device. The sour smell of vinegar will disappear as soon as it evaporates from the surface of the air conditioner parts.
5. A siphon will help get rid of odors coming from the sewer. However, you need to pay attention to the fact that this product is of high quality and reliable.

If it is necessary to comprehensively eliminate all existing unpleasant odors, then antibacterial filters are installed. Manufacturers of modern split systems offer many different types of them:

• Photocatalytic - characterized by the fact that it uses titanium dioxide, which decomposes absolutely any organic compounds into separate parts. Acts as a catalyst, but is not consumed or contaminated.
• A plasma ionizer is a special design consisting of metal plates between which voltage is applied. When passing between them, the bacteria are completely neutralized.
• Catechin filter - the mechanism of action is quite simple, since catechin literally envelops bad molecules, preventing them from attaching to the surface of the device. After passing through this filter, the bacteria are already completely disinfected and become harmless.
• Wasabi filter - it uses the ability to destroy bacteria with disinfectants contained in Japanese horseradish.

Video: what to do with the smell from the air conditioner?

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How to get rid of the smell in the air conditioner

Today, almost all residential and office premises are equipped with air conditioning systems. They provide a comfortable temperature, and like any equipment, they require periodic maintenance. Bad smell from the air conditioner is a common cause of improper maintenance of air conditioning equipment. In no case should it be ignored, as this can adversely affect the health of those who are in the room. It is necessary to find out why it stinks from a household or industrial unit, and promptly fix the problem.

Why air conditioner stinks: reasons

When the split system is in operation, condensation forms during the cooling of warm air. It is collected in a special container and discharged through a drainage tube. A warm and humid environment creates favorable conditions for the vital activity of various microorganisms, bacteria, fungi. The consequence of their development is the appearance of a bad sour smell from the home air conditioner, which is eliminated only by cleaning the equipment. Otherwise, microbes can provoke a deterioration in well-being, the development of diseases.

Another reason for the appearance of an unpleasant smell from the air conditioner is the accumulation of aromas present in the apartment. Not all climatic devices produce air intake from the street, some operate in recirculation mode. As a result, all the smells in the room are accumulated and given back by the unit, only in a more saturated, concentrated form.

In some devices, condensate is not removed to the street, but to the sewer. If the siphon failed or was not initially installed to drain moisture into the sewer, unpleasant odors will soon fill the room, which will certainly create discomfort for its inhabitants.

What is the dangerous smell that appears when you turn on the split system

Especially often the stench appears during the operation of the split system after a long break. The reason is that during the time that the installation was not working, bacteria, dust mites, etc., multiplied in it.

The smell from the air conditioner is not just an inconvenience, but also a danger to human health. The forced heavy stale air can provoke an exacerbation of chronic diseases, the emergence of new ones. The problem is hard tolerated by allergy sufferers, asthmatics, people with lung diseases.

It is especially dangerous if the air conditioner installed in a crowded place stinks. Due to untimely cleaning of filters, not only employees of supermarkets, shopping centers and institutions, but also ordinary visitors, especially children, risk their own health.

What to do to eliminate the smell from the air conditioner

Some types of climate control equipment have ozone and silver self-cleaning filters. But such security measures are provided in expensive units of leading companies. Therefore, many users continue to face the pressing question - how to remove the smell of vinegar, rot from a home or office air conditioner.

Before resorting to complex methods to eliminate an unpleasant odor, you should try the simplest one - clean the filters of the device. To do this, you need to carefully lift or remove the front panel from the indoor unit of the split system, remove the filters and wash them under warm running water. The most radical way to clean the air conditioner is its complete disassembly and mechanical cleaning.

If the owner of the equipment has the appropriate experience and tools, he can perform the procedure on his own, but it is better to entrust the process to specialized specialists.

Getting rid of the smell provides only cleaning the evaporator

Cleaning the evaporator can help to cope with the problem of unpleasant odor. The process consists in spraying special equipment near the unit operating in ventilation mode.

It takes about 15-20 minutes to disinfect the surface of the evaporator. At the same time, preventive cleaning of the working area of ​​the device is carried out. During the procedure, an antibacterial film is formed on the surfaces of the parts, which protects against the development of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

If the smell from the air conditioner is the result of stagnant processes, processing the unit with special equipment gives only a short-term effect. To obtain a more stable result, it is necessary to disassemble and wash the entire system.

Elimination of an unpleasant smell from the air conditioner by Dt servis specialists

The masters of the Dt servis service center will identify the cause of the unpleasant smell from the air conditioner, take the measures necessary to eliminate it, up to the complete disassembly of the equipment. In addition, the specialists of the center will tell you what to do for the primary prevention of the split system so that it works properly for as long as possible.

You can enter into a service contract with the company. The craftsmen will schedule the cleaning of air conditioners, perform the necessary repairs, and ensure the proper operation of the equipment throughout the season.

An unpleasant smell from the air conditioner may appear within a month or two after installation. Very often, such a problem occurs after a long break in his work: for example, at the beginning of summer, if he did not turn on at all during the cold period. Do not rush to scold the manufacturer or the craftsmen who installed your model: such a nuisance happens to everyone sooner or later.

Causes of an unpleasant odor

First, try to determine what it smells like. An old wet rag? Sewerage? Or is the bad smell from the air conditioner not like any of the smells you know? Perhaps the source is not the air conditioner at all, but, say, an old dusty carpet that has not been washed for a long time, or a “stash” of a pet that hid a piece of meat in a secluded corner for a “rainy day”.

Are you sure it's the air conditioner? Then it's time to understand why this happened. Experts identify three reasons for the appearance of an unpleasant odor:

1. Accumulation in parts and filters of ambient aromas. The fact is that many air conditioners do not use the air from the street, but cool the one that is already in the room. As a result, odors accumulate and are released back in a concentrated form. If you have new inexpensive furniture, it may well contain a large amount of formaldehyde resins, the smell of which is far from pleasant. Also, some types of plastic and synthetics can serve as the culprits for the appearance of unpleasant odors.
2. Mold and bacteria. These pests appear inside not at all because of someone else's fault. It's just that the temperature of the evaporator is always lower than the ambient temperature, which is why condensation is guaranteed to appear on it. Under normal conditions, it is removed from the system through drainage tubes, but before that it has time to contact the environment, which is far from sterile. This is how bacteria and mold grow in the air conditioner. And if the device has not been turned on for a long time, then the “golden time” comes for them: the device is warm and damp - an ideal environment for reproduction.
3. Drainage without siphon. Sometimes moisture from the air conditioner is removed not to the street, but to the sewer. If a siphon was not used during installation, then all the "charm" of the sewers can break out, filling your apartment.

Sometimes (with a long idle time) the moisture from the siphon evaporates, and it can no longer protect the room from extraneous odors. In this case, you just need to turn on the air conditioner and give it a little time so that the new condensate has time to fill the tube.

How to deal with this problem

All methods of cleaning the air conditioner come down to one thing: wash mold and other dirt, disinfect parts and dry them thoroughly. To do this, it is advisable to disassemble it yourself or call for help from specialists. If the smell is still barely audible, you can try to eliminate it without disassembling the split system. True, such measures will give only a temporary effect.

Method number 1. Dry thoroughly

In some models, the fan does not turn off immediately: this is how the air conditioner gets rid of excess condensate on its own. If there is no such function, try to turn on the fan a few minutes before the device turns off completely. This will be an excellent prevention of mold.

Method number 2. Disinfect

There are special disinfectants for air conditioners. Usually they need to be sprayed where the device takes air for cooling. Together with the air flow, the drops of the solution penetrate into the drainage system, where they destroy the fungus and pathogenic bacteria. If the water stagnation is small, this is enough to completely eliminate the smell from the air conditioner.

Method number 3. Disassemble and clean

Recently, we talked about how to disassemble and clean your home air conditioner yourself. If you have certain skills, you can not call the master, because in fact there is nothing complicated there. However, if you are not friends with technology at all, you will have to part with a certain amount, otherwise the smell from the air conditioner will not let you enjoy the coolness.

Video: how to disassemble and clean the air conditioner yourself