The Problem with Faulty Filter Driers

Filter driers are designed to combat a very real and a very significant problem: moisture inside of your refrigerant lines. Such moisture tends to penetrate even the most craftily constructed systems. This moisture quickly exerts a destructive force, thanks to the fact that it reacts with lubricants that also pass through the refrigerant lines, forming highly corrosive acids. These quickly begin to eat away at the delicate components in your system.

If you think you have a problem with your filter drier, reach out to an expert in AC repair in Burke VA.

The Importance Of The Filter Drier: Moisture Removal

Filter driers are a commonplace on the majority of newer air conditioners, yet few homeowners recognize the importance of this vital component. Unfortunately, this often leads to a failure to properly maintain and care for the filter drier--which in turn leads to a host of other problems. Without a properly working drier, moisture in your AC system can react with lubricants to create destructive acids that harm your system. If you would like to improve your knowledge of air conditioner mechanics, ask a Greenbrae CA air conditioning expert about the importance of the filter drier in removing unwanted moisture.

Rotting Garbage or Rotten Egg Smell

A decaying animal corpse will smell like rotting garbage or a rotten egg. This problem can cause health problems especially if the animal is large and shouldn't be ignored.

A gas leak will smell like rotten eggs. This could mean there's a natural gas leak that's getting into the AC ducting. Any natural gas leak is a serious problem. You and your family should immediately leave the house and call the gas company. If you can, shut off the gas at the main shutoff valve.

The above air conditioning odors are the symptoms of a problem that must be resolved. Take action by contacting an ac service in Sherwood Park AB.

3 Odors and Their Causes

Exhaust Fume Smell

Ruling out that the problem isn't caused by an idling car in your garage, fluid leaks from an air conditioner component will cause this type of odor. Any component that leaks fluid obviously requires replacement. To avoid damaging your AC system, get it repaired as soon as possible.

Dirty Socks Smell

Bacterial growth in stagnant water causes this odor. This could be water that's not draining from a drain pan. Water sitting around longer than a couple of days can turn into a mold problem if it's not resolved.

Acrid or Gunpowder Smell

This is the smell of an electrical short. This could have happened in the fan motor or circuit board. Shorts are fire hazards, which require that you immediately turn off the air conditioner and have an air conditioning repair person fix the problem.

If you notice any of these smells or have any questions, contact a Bonita Springs FL air conditioning contractor.

Why Your Air Conditioning Has a Bad Smell

Air conditioners are supposed to discharge odorless air. When they smell bad, don't try to cover it up with an air freshener. Just like with any other bad odor in your home, you want to find its source. Until that's known, you don't know if you have a serious or minor problem on your hands.

Musty Smell

This is the smell of mold. Mold grows in areas with moisture. Since your air conditioner removes moisture from the air, it is possible that it's not properly discharging it. A drain pan can fill with water and overflow if a condensate line clogs up. If humid outside air is leaking into your ducts, condensation will also produce moisture and cause mold growth.

Another cause of a musty odor is a dirty filter. You can try replacing the filter to see if the problem goes away. If not, a St. Albans WV air conditioning service professional can find the odor's source and correct the problem.

Prevent Mold From Growing on Your AC System

Fix Leaks in Your Duct System

On muggy summer days, the outside air is loaded with water vapor. Leaks in your duct system allow this muggy outside air into your AC system where moisture can condense on cool duct walls. Mold spores within the duct and those coming in from the outside will start growing on any matter that the organism can digest. This water can also leak out of the duct into your walls or ceiling, both of which are food for mold growth.

Keep Your Windows Closed and Use Your Air Conditioning System

Trying to save money by leaving the air conditioning off and opening the windows on warm humid days allows moist air into your home. This will cause plumbing pipes to drip with condensation. Your air conditioner also dehumidifies the air, which is why you should leave it on.

Use a Dehumidifier

Place a dehumidifier in areas of your home, such as your basement, that aren't air-conditioned. A basement is naturally cool and becomes damp when its air is humid.

If your ducts haven't been cleaned in years or if the air coming out of your air conditioning system seems humid, contact an air conditioning service professional. Prevention is preferable and far cheaper than clearing out extensive mold growth. It's never to early to think about protecting your AC unit from mold. During air conditioning installation in Ocala FL, make sure you ask the expert about how you can prevent mold growth.