Foul odors can be a commonly encountered problem for air conditioning system. Yet, homeowners will frequently be unsure of the various problems that could be contributing to this problem. While there are many problems that could cause your air conditioner to smell foul, there are three particularly common sources of this problem that you should know about.

Dirty Ducting

The air ducts that run throughout your home can accumulate almost shocking amounts of dust and dander. Additionally, it can be possible for large mold colonies to become established in the dark and moist environment that is found inside ducting. Combating this source of foul odors will require you to have your ducts professionally cleaned every few years. These contractors can utilize extremely powerful vacuums to remove any substances that may have started to accumulate in the ducting.

Clogged Condensation Drain

As your air conditioner cools the warm moist air from the outside, it can create considerable amounts of condensation. To allow this moisture to drain from the unit, there will be a drain that runs to the ground. However, this drain may become clogged from a variety of substances, which will lead to water accumulating in the unit fairly quickly. Over time, this water can start to grow mold and other substances that may create foul smells that can be carried into the house. To clean the drain pipe, you should use a long wire to pull out any algae accumulations, leaves or other materials that may be blocking it. While you should perform this maintenance regularly throughout the year, you may want to pay special attention during the summer and fall months as algae will grow vigorously during these times and plants may shed many of their leaves.

Dead Pests

An especially unpleasant source of these odors could be the presence of a dead animal in your air conditioning system. It can be common for small animals, such as mice and squirrels to be attracted to the ducting and around the exterior unit. If one of these animals died in the ducting or near the exterior unit, the odor of its decay could spread throughout the home when the system is running.

In addition to having your home regularly treated for pests, preventing this problem will require you to inspect your system each year to look for signs of animal activity. When small holes or gaps are found, you will need to repair them so as to prevent animals from using it to enter your system.