3 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Smells Like Fish

A problem that must be solved. The purpose of the air conditioner is to increase comfort, but when it emits a fishy smell, it not only affects the air quality in the place, but also causes discomfort to the people present. The fishy smell can spread into the air and spread throughout the house, making the house smell unpleasant and embarrassing when receiving guests. Its impact on the health of those exposed to it cannot be ignored, especially those who suffer from asthma or respiratory allergies, as it can cause irritation and discomfort. So, in this article, we will learn about the causes of the fishy smell coming from the air conditioner and how to treat it.

 The air conditioner smells like fish.

There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be emitting a fishy odor. The odor could be caused by the air conditioner itself, or it could be coming from another source. These are the most common causes:

1. Contamination of the internal parts of the air conditioner

 Over time and with frequent use, your air conditioner's air filter and evaporator coil can accumulate a thick layer of dust and dirt.

Additionally, the inside of the air conditioner may be humid due to the high condensation that occurs on the evaporator coil.

This humidity and environmental pollution create an environment brimming with mold and bacteria. These microbes may emit a fishy odor.

 When the air conditioner is on, the smell appears and spreads through the air.

2. Damage to the electrical outlet.

The electrical outlet usually carries a hot load, and as it gets hot, the plastic components ignite and emit a foul odor.

 This scent is then drawn into the air conditioner through the intake vent and diffused into the room as the cool air comes out.

The temperature of the socket increases due to the use of a poor quality or improperly connected wires, or the switch's capacity is significantly lower than the air conditioner's capacity, which causes overload, increased temperature, and damage to the insulator.

This can happen more often in older homes due to the lack of a high-quality electrical system with safety features.

Additionally, the temperature of the air conditioner's internal components can also rise. You can turn off the HVAC system to see if the odor disappears.

3. There is garbage near the air conditioner.

If you don't take out the trash regularly, it can give off a foul odor similar to the smell of fish. For example, you might place the trash can next to a window or split air conditioner, which will cause the foul odor to collect in the air conditioner, making you forget that the air conditioner is the source.

 How to get rid of the unpleasant smell of air conditioner that resembles the smell of fish?

You can get rid of the fish smell coming from your air conditioner by using several different methods, which we will learn about in the following points:

1. Take out the trash immediately.

Check your home's waste bins. If you find any near vents or air conditioning, move them and empty the trash immediately.

After emptying the waste, open the windows to get rid of any remaining unpleasant odors in the place and turn on the air conditioner again to see if the problem has subsided or not.

2. Contact a certified electrician.

When an electrical component overheats, it can cause a fire, which is extremely dangerous. If you notice signs of burning on your air conditioner's outlet or switch, you should contact an electrician immediately. They have the expertise and tools necessary to troubleshoot and repair the problem.

3. Clean your air conditioner.

If all the above methods fail, the cause may be mold and bacteria accumulating inside the air conditioner.

You can disassemble the air conditioner's external parts and clean them yourself, or you can hire a company that specializes in air conditioner cleaning if you don't have the necessary experience.

To clean your air conditioner yourself, you can remove the air filter, wash it under running water, and use a brush to remove any remaining residue.

 Then install it after it dries and turn on the air conditioner to see if the smell is still there or gone.

If the smell doesn't go away, try cleaning the evaporator coil. There are some cleaners available on the market that can dissolve the dirt and debris that has built up inside.

How do you prevent the fish smell in your air conditioner from coming back?

If you notice a foul odor coming from your air conditioner again, this indicates that there is something undesirable in your home. There are some methods that can help you get rid of it, which are:

1. Keep the trash can away from air conditioners and vents.

Garbage can continue to emit a foul odor if it isn't emptied daily. To ensure the odor doesn't spread throughout your home, make sure to place it away from vents and air conditioners.

2. Upgrade the electrical system if your home is old.

 The smell of fish is often caused by electrical components. If you live in an older home, you should update the electrical system. This step will help reduce the possibility of this happening and protect you from the risk of fire..

3.. Annual electrical safety checks

Conduct annual electrical safety checks to detect problems early and avoid unpleasant odors produced by electrical components, which can cause inconvenience.

4. Air conditioning maintenance

The internal parts of an air conditioner can malfunction for any reason, and they can also become dirty over time. Both can cause an unpleasant odor. Therefore, it's best to maintain your air conditioner regularly, regardless of its type, to remove dirt and keep its components in good condition.

Causes of bad odor in split and window air conditioners

It consists of:

1. The water filter bowl is full.

Inside the air conditioner, there is a drain pan that collects the condensation water resulting from the cooling process. If this pan becomes full or clogged, mold and mildew may grow, causing an unpleasant odor to spread inside the room when the air conditioner is running.

2. Mold accumulation around the evaporator coil.

Evaporator coils remove heat from the air, making them a vital part of any air conditioning unit. Over time, mold can build up on and around the coils, causing a musty odor in your air conditioner.

3. Excessive moisture in air ducts or vents.

 Fungi and mold prefer moisture, so when excess moisture builds up in the ducts and vents of your air conditioning system, it creates an ideal environment for fungi and mold to thrive. When air flows through these vents and ducts, it creates a musty odor throughout your home.

How to remove the smell of damp and mold

Includes:

1. Empty and clean the filter bowl.

Mold and mildew prefer moisture, so when there is excess moisture buildup in the ducts and vents of your air conditioning system, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. When air flows through these vents and ducts, a foul odor spreads throughout your home.

2. Clean the air conditioner filter.

Air conditioner filters are extremely adept at collecting dirt, dust, and debris in the air. If these impurities accumulate and clog the filters, they can become an ideal environment for mold growth in the vents and surrounding passages. However, replacing or cleaning your air conditioner filter can solve the problem.

3. Contact an air conditioner cleaning technician.

If you're bothered by a musty smell coming from your air conditioner and can't pinpoint its source, it's time to contact an expert.

Some split air conditioners also have an internal cleaning function, which prevents mold growth and eliminates the damp smell inside the unit that causes this unpleasant odor.

At the end of the article, we talked about the air conditioner emitting a fishy smell and mentioned the reasons behind this smell. You will find a solution to eliminate this problem and prevent the fishy smell from returning. Follow the article and you will find all the solutions that will help you get rid of the unpleasant smell coming from the air conditioner.