DIY & Home Improvement
Related: About this forumAir conditioner concern. . .
I recently noticed a strong smell of vinegar when my air conditioner is running. Since mold may be an issue, is it still safe to use the a/c? I have scheduled a service appointment for later in the week but the outdoor temperature is supposed to get quite hot over the next couple of days.
Any advice?
Deuxcents
(19,720 posts)Last edited Tue Sep 3, 2024, 09:38 PM - Edit history (1)
It is a special light they put in to keep mold n mildew from growing since I live in a humid climate 11 months out of the year. Every 6 months I have my system inspected, as Im on a maintenance schedule, n its dry n free of moisture. I was skeptical at first as I thought its just another upsell, but my filters stay cleaner longer and theres no odor.
Edited to correct
SilasSouleII
(446 posts)They work quite well.
Deuxcents
(19,720 posts)Timewas
(2,291 posts)A dirty filter with mold and other neat stuff.. Happens in high humidity areas a lot
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,595 posts)If so, they can emit ozone which smells similar to vinegar. I don't recall mold or bacteria buildup smelling like vinegar, although my smeller is not the best after many years as a smoker.
If it is coming from an electronic electrostatic air cleaner, the cells probably need to be cleaned, a process that you can do if you wish and have a little mechanical ability and that should be done yearly. I like to dry them out in the hot sun or in an oven (at a safe temperature) before reinstallation. They usually slide out like a drawer.
KY
usonian
(13,836 posts)I found 16x20x1 filters at WalMart. Surprised me.
Watch or for people offering a free duct cleaning and mold inspection. They ALWAYS find mold. It took me 45 minutes of turning down the service.
Summers are bone dry in CA, so it is not as big a problem here. The drain tube hasn't passed a drop of water in years.
Good luck. Hopefully, it's just the filter. You could run briefly without one if you can't find a replacement in a hurry.
I got dust. (Woods)
Deuxcents
(19,720 posts)usonian
(13,836 posts)I own a manufactured home and everything is pretty standard.
Coleman bought the home builder, the heater and air conditioner maker, even the range hood. G.E. built the appliances.
Good luck with your a/c.
Deuxcents
(19,720 posts)Hoping it will last until the season is over n get a better deal than during the summer..Home ownership is not always bliss!
usonian
(13,836 posts)You got it ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
Deuxcents
(19,720 posts)Maybe it will cool off then 🤗
love_katz
(2,803 posts)I have 4 units: 2 are window units and 2 are portable floor units.
The window units don't seem to develop weird smells, but the portable units do. The portable units have some small ports on the back where a hose can be inserted when the unit is being used with the dehumidifier function.
I don't use them to dehumidify, but I discovered that I have to occasionally clean out the hose ports, otherwise the units develop a bad smell.
My units have black plastic caps covering the hose ports. I open the cap and clean out the ports with a q tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. I also twist up a paper towel and insert it into the port and dry it as well as I can. I always find a small amount of black goo on the q tip when I clean the ports. Getting rid of the black goo gets rid of the smell.
I unplug the unit for safety when doing the cleaning.
Good luck. I hope you find the source of the smell and succeed in getting rid of it. Wishing everyone the best success in staying 😎 cool.
I'm hating the increased heat waves with climate change. Ugh!!!