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View Full Version : Re: Odor problem from Air Conditioner


Michael A. Ball
06-08-2005, 07:40 PM
On Fri, 1 Aug 2003 08:38:35 -0500, "Duncanlover" <sawclw@charter.net> wrote:

>I have an A/C that emits a very foul odor after being on for a few hours.
>It has an easy to clean removable filter which I clean very frequently.

A/C odors usually occur when the unit is first turned on: not after a few hours. The odor is usually
caused by algae growing on the coils. The coils need be kept clean, of course; but beyond that,
there are slow-dissolving tablets which maintain an algaecide level in the drip pan. In a pinch, you
can use an ounce of the blue Lysol.

I'm puzzled by the fact that this odor occurs, not initially, but after the A/C has being running
for hours. This makes me think that the odor is not from the usual source, algae, but from something
mechanical or electrical: something that's getting hot.

Sears' theory about the cooking odors being redistributed sounds like nonsense to me. As odor
molecules in the air pass over the A/C coils they become entrained in the condensate and drip into
the drip pan.

I do not suspect your pets as being a part of the problem. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

Michael