As warmer weather rolls into town, you may find yourself turning to your air conditioner for some reprieve. With this system, you can keep your home cool and comfortable throughout the hottest days of the year. However, after months of inactivity, you may find that your air conditioner is producing a strange smell that is difficult to identify. 

If this strange smell doesn’t begin to dissipate, it may lead to a lingering odor in your home, which is difficult to deal with. However, determining the cause of this odor can be even more difficult than you anticipate. If you’re noticing a lingering odor coming from your air conditioner, keep reading to learn what may be causing it and how to address it. 

The Most Common Strange Smells from AC Units

It isn’t uncommon to experience some strange smells coming from your AC when you use it again at the start of spring or summer. However, if this smell doesn’t begin to dissipate after the first few uses, this may be an indication that there is something wrong with the system. Some of the most common strange smells you may encounter include: 

• Smelly Socks: If you notice strange smells reminiscent of stinky socks, this may indicate a problem with your condenser. This may include bacteria growth within your system, which requires immediate attention to be appropriately remedied. 
• Burning: While some smells can be ignored until your HVAC team arrives, it is essential that you take immediate action if you smell burning. This may be the result of a fire in the system from frayed wires, overheating, and mechanical issues. If you smell burning, you should turn off the system immediately to keep your home safe.  
• Mold or Mildew: When you smell something incredibly earthy, this may be an indication of mold or mildew growth within your AC. This growth can lead to respiratory health problems, making it essential that you address it as soon as possible. 
• Exhaust: If fluid is moving through your AC, this could lead to an exhaust smell coming from the system. This could be due to a leak within the system, and requires an inspection to ensure this is the cause.  
• Trash: During the winter, it isn’t uncommon for animals to make themselves at home in your AC. In some cases, they may get stuck and won’t make it out by spring, leading to a trash smell coming from your AC unit. 

No matter what strange smells are coming from your AC, it is essential that you reach out to your trusted HVAC technician for support. With their expertise, they can determine the exact cause of the smells within the system and make any essential repairs. 

How You Can Address Strange Smells

While you’re waiting for your HVAC team to arrive to address the lingering strange smells, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the smell. The easiest things you can do to attempt to address the smells include: 

Clean Your Drain Pain 

As moisture builds up within your AC unit, this may result in an excessive overflow in the drain pan. Over time, it is essential that you address this moisture. If left untreated, you create the perfect environment for mold growth. This growth may move into your AC unit, putting you and your loved ones at risk. If you’re experiencing moisture problems in your system, it is essential that you clean or replace your drain pan to avoid respiratory irritation. 

Check for Frozen Coils

Another step you can take to address strange smells coming from your AC is to turn off your system and check inside to determine whether there are any frozen coils. Often, dirty air filters are the cause of frozen coils, as they prevent air from entering your system and lead to an increase in moisture. If the coils are frozen, try changing your filter. This should allow proper airflow to return to the system, thawing the coils and restoring system function. 

Look for Blockages

When there are blockages within your AC unit, it makes it difficult, if not impossible, for moisture to move out of the system. As mentioned above, even the most minor moisture build-up in your AC unit can lead to strange smells brewing within the system. Double-check the lines in your AC unit to determine whether something is blocking it from adequately draining, and make necessary repairs before your HVAC professional arrives to address the problem. 

Identify Duct Moisture

As moisture builds up in your AC unit, it may inevitably find its way into your air ducts as well. While you wait for a trusted HVAC professional to arrive, it is best that you double-check for signs of moisture in your air ducts. If you notice signs of moisture build-up in your ducts, you can talk to your HVAC technician about scheduling duct cleaning to improve the air quality in your home and eliminate lingering odors. 

Address Lingering Odors with R&D Heating & Air

If you’re tired of dealing with lingering odors coming from your AC unit, turn to our team at R&D Heating & Air for support. They can determine the cause and quickly remedy the problem, allowing you to remain comfortable through the warmest days of the year. In addition to making essential repairs, our team can also help you establish a maintenance schedule.

With essential AC unit maintenance, you can ensure your system is operating properly before the warmer weather rolls into town. Your HVAC team can also catch minor problems before they lead to even more costly and detrimental system damage. No matter how large or small, we can address any system damage in no time.

If you need help addressing strange smells in your AC unit, don’t hesitate to contact our team today for support. 

When your air conditioner isn’t keeping your home as cool as it should, it can be frustrating, especially during the hottest days of summer. There are several reasons why your AC might not be functioning properly. Understanding why your AC isn’t cooling is essential for restoring your system’s function during the hottest days of the year.

If you want to learn more about why your AC isn’t cooling, keep reading. 

1. Clogged or Dirty Air Filters

If your AC isn’t cooling, it is best to start with the simplest solutions, like checking your air filters. When your filters are clogged or dirty, the airflow into and out of the system is restricted, making it harder for your system to cool your home efficiently. If it has been longer than three months since you last changed your filters, this is likely the cause of your improperly functioning AC unit. Make sure to check and replace any dirty filters every one to three months to ensure the system continues to function properly during the hottest days of the year. 

2. Thermostat Issues

If you’ve already checked your air filters and they aren’t the reason why your AC isn’t cooling, it may be best to turn your attention to your thermostat. Sometimes, the problem is incredibly simple. Double-check the batteries to ensure they aren’t dead, and check that it is set to cool your home. If the batteries and settings aren’t to blame, it may be the result of a malfunctioning thermostat. In this situation, it may be best to reach out to a trusted HVAC professional to schedule maintenance and AC repairs. They may also recommend a smart thermostat to prevent problems down the road. 

3. Dirty Condenser Coils

During an especially windy or rainy spring, it isn’t uncommon for your AC unit to get dirty. While you might not think this is the likely cause of your improperly functioning unit, it may be the reason why your AC isn’t cooling. The outdoor condenser unit releases heat from your home. If the coils are covered in dirt and debris, your system won’t be able to release heat effectively, resulting in a system that doesn’t cool. If you want to address this, it is essential that you remove debris and gently rinse the coils to keep them functioning properly. 

4. Refrigerant Leaks

Your AC unit relies on refrigerant to absorb heat and cool the air in your home. If there is a leak in the system, this may be the reason why your AC isn’t cooling your home. There are a few signs you’re dealing with a leak, including frozen coils and hissing sounds. If you suspect there is a leak in your system, it is best to reach out to a trusted HVAC professional to schedule essential system repairs. They can locate and repair the leak before it leads to more costly system damage and increased cooling costs. 

5. Leaky or Blocked Ductwork

The ducts in your home are designed to properly cool your entire space. If your home has leaky or blocked ducts, the cool air may not be reaching your living spaces efficiently. This may mean that the problem isn’t that your AC isn’t cooling properly but that this cool air can’t reach you. If you have furniture blocking the ducts in your home, it is essential that you move it out of the way to allow this air to enter your living spaces. If the problem persists, it is best to reach out to your HVAC team for support. 

6. Frozen Evaporator Coils

The coils in your unit absorb heat from the air in your home. If they freeze due to restricted airflow or refrigerant issues, this may be the reason why your AC isn’t cooling. The easiest way to address potentially frozen evaporator coils is by changing your air filters to ensure the system has adequate airflow. You should also turn off the system to let the coils thaw and check for any additional airflow issues. If, even with these steps, the problem persists, it is best to contact an HVAC technician for support. They can identify the problem and diagnose any deeper issues.  

7. Aging AC Unit

While this can be incredibly frustrating, the reason why your AC isn’t cooling may be due to its age. On average, your AC has a 15- to 20-year lifespan. If it has been longer than 20 years since you’ve replaced the system, it may be struggling to meet your cooling demands, especially as summer temperatures reach all-time highs. While you may not want to do so, it is best to replace your system. This can save you money on repairs and cooling your home over the years, making it a worthwhile investment. 

8. Electrical Problems

One final reason why your AC isn’t cooling may be due to an electrical problem within the system. Your AC relies on electrical components to function properly. If even one component of the system, like the capacitor, relay, or circuit board, malfunctions, the system may not function properly. While you may be tempted to perform these repairs yourself, it is best to avoid DIY electrical work, as this can pose a significant safety risk. Instead, reach out to a trusted HVAC team for support through this process. 

Turn to R&D Heating & Air When Your AC Isn’t Cooling

If your AC isn’t cooling, it can be frustrating, but it doesn’t always mean you need a costly replacement. Many common issues can be remedied through regular maintenance and repairs. If you’re looking for a reliable HVAC team in the Roy, Utah, area to help you through AC repairs, turn to our team at R&D Heating & Air for support. 

For years, we’ve provided the most reliable and comprehensive repair services to homeowners across the Wasatch Front. Whether you’re dealing with minor system breakdowns or need major repairs, we can do it all. With our support, your system will be working better than ever in no time. 

When you’re ready to schedule HVAC repairs, don’t hesitate to contact our team for support. 

Ensuring your home is warm and comfortable throughout the chilly winter months is essential. Without a properly functioning heater, you may find yourself huddling under blankets, trying to brave the freezing temperatures. However, as this system works hard to keep you warm, you may be dealing with potential system threats like a cracked heat exchanger.

What might seem like a minor problem can pose a serious risk to the health and well-being of your loved ones. If you’ve been experiencing odd or substandard performance from your heater and suspect you might be dealing with a cracked heat exchanger, keep reading to see what you need to do to keep your family safe. 

What Does Your Heat Exchanger Do? 

To understand the threat a cracked heat exchanger poses to your family, you need to understand its role in your heater. A heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat between two fluids without mixing them. It is commonly used in HVAC systems, water heaters, and refrigerators to help regulate temperatures more efficiently. 

A heat exchanger warms the air in your heater by transferring heat from hot water or steam, keeping your living space comfortable as temperatures drop. Heat exchangers help save energy by making the heating and cooling process more effective, which can lower utility bills. This device is essential for comfort and efficiency, providing consistent warmth in the winter. 

Signs of a Cracked or Damaged Heat Exchanger

Identifying a cracked heat exchanger can be far more difficult than you might think. Unlike other components within your heater, the system will continue running with a cracked heat exchanger. In many cases, you may not realize your heat exchanger is cracked until the system is opened up and inspected. 

However, you likely aren’t performing this kind of thorough inspection on your system on your own. While it can be difficult to identify a damaged heat exchanger, there are a few signs you can look out for that you may be experiencing a problem within the system that requires professional attention, including: 

• Uneven or inconsistent heating
• Strong chemical smells from the system
• Flickering, yellow flames
• Soot buildup around the furnace
• Unusual sounds, like rattling and banging
• Carbon monoxide alarm activation

Although you might be experiencing some of these signs, you may not consider scheduling essential furnace repairs if the system continues to run. While this may seem like a fine decision, it can be incredibly detrimental to the health of your loved ones and the well-being of your furnace. 

The Risk of Running a Damaged Furnace

Choosing to run your furnace with a cracked heat exchanger can be incredibly harmful to the system and may present some health risks to your loved ones. Some of the most significant risks of running your furnace while it has a cracked heat exchanger include: 

• Carbon Monoxide Exposure: A cracked heat exchanger can leak harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, into your home’s air supply. This colorless, odorless gas can cause serious health issues or even be fatal with prolonged exposure.
• Further System Damage: Much like with any other device, choosing to run your furnace while it is damaged can result in further damage. This damage can put stress on other components, leading to increased system breakdown. 
• Decreased Efficiency: With a cracked heat exchanger, your system will struggle to heat your home adequately. It will work harder to meet your heating needs, which can lead to a direct increase in your monthly energy bill. 
• Fire Hazard: A cracked heat exchanger allows toxic gases to escape from your furnace. These gases can escape near the active flame of your furnace, which can result in a fire if you do not power down the system. 

Why You Need Professional Inspections

If you suspect your heat exchanger is cracked, you may consider inspecting the system yourself. While this might seem like an easy way to save money and make necessary repairs, it can be detrimental to the well-being of your system. Without proper tools and training, you may cause more significant and costly damage to the system.

Instead of attempting this service on your own, it is best to rely on a trusted HVAC professional for any inspections and repairs. Not only can they quickly identify and remedy system damage, but they can also spot minor damage before it compromises your system. Additionally, they can suggest a maintenance plan to keep the system functioning properly for years to come.

During these appointments, they’ll make any minor suggestions to ensure your system is functioning efficiently. You should try to schedule maintenance at least twice a year, at the start of spring and fall, to ensure your system is prepared for upcoming weather conditions while avoiding the busier summer and winter months. 

If you’ve noticed a significant decline in system performance or you want to maintain the system, don’t attempt this on your own. Instead, read online reviews, check service menus, and choose an HVAC contractor with the training and experience necessary to keep your system performing its best. 

Your Roy, UT, HVAC Expert

If you’re looking for a reliable HVAC expert in the Roy, Utah, area to help you address a cracked heat exchanger, turn to our team at R&D Heating & Air for support. For years, we’ve provided the most reliable HVAC care to homeowners across the city and beyond. From the most minor problems to major system failures, we have experience remedying it all. 

Don’t let a damaged furnace get you down this winter. Contact our team at R&D Heating & Air and trust that we can quickly restore its function to ensure your comfort during the coldest days of the year.