Why Does My Mini-Split Smell Bad and What Do I Do?
Something smells funny in your mini-split system, but you’re not laughing. Mini-split smells can be a sign of a minor or major issue, but either way, you want the stink to go away and quickly. Figuring out what’s going on under the hood, so to speak, is easy. So, why does my mini-split smell bad and what do I do? Here are a few tips for dealing with the problem.
Moist Musty Mold
Surprise! That musty or moldy smell is likely due to mold. Mold and mildew can build up in a unit if the inside of the device is excessively wet and humid, allowing mold spores to develop. Keeping a dehumidifier in the room should help keep the humidity down and help the mini-split dry itself out. However, you might need to clean the machine’s interior if the smell persists. Simply swipe the interior with a dry cloth. Check the condensation pan for accumulated water, keep it dry, and either clean or replace the filter. A blocked filter can lead to mold.
Ex-Critters
The smell of death is distinct and unmistakable. Something may have crawled into the unit and died if it smells of rot, fish, or worse. Removing the creature’s corpse is off-putting but necessary, and the interior may require thorough cleaning by a professional. Mini-splits that work with ducts may be a bigger issue since the critter may have traveled further down. Hire a pro to locate and retrieve the poor critter. You can avoid this issue by ensuring your unit doesn’t have exposed holes or cracks or parts of the system exposed to the outside. Animals crawl in these units, searching for warmth and food, and your home promises both.
Vile Vinegar
It’s funny how food smells pleasant in one context, such as in the kitchen or dining room, but when it comes from your mini-split, they’re more than just unpleasant, they’re usually dangerous. Vinegar smells usually mean the unit is suffering an electricity problem. This issue can result from a wire melting, a part of the unit overheating, or something else. Turn off the system and the circuit. Open it up and look for evidence of anything burning or melting—brown drops are a common sign. Contact a pro to be sure it’s safe to reactivate.
Anything Else?
Your mini-split might not be the culprit if you sniff and sniff and sniff around your mini-split but can’t figure out where the smell is coming from. Sometimes your mini-split is simply spreading the stink from elsewhere. Check outdoors. Garbage, sewage, plant life, pests, and other creatures may have inundated the outside of your home with their stench, and now it’s working its way into the house.
We hope these tips have answered your question, “Why does my mini-split smell bad and what do I do?”. Have more questions about unusual mini-split odors and how to get rid of them or about ductless and concealed duct mini-split systems? Contact us for a consultation!
