why does my ac smell like wet dog

Possible Reasons Your Home’s AC Smells Like a Wet Dog

• Dirty Sock Syndrome. Dirty sock syndrome is a well-known problem in the AC world. ...
• Dead Animal in Ductwork. A sad but true fact of life is that sometimes critters find their way into your air conditioner’s ductwork – but never find their way out.
• Old Air Filter. Your home’s wet dog smell could also be due to an old air filter. ...
• Your Pets. ...

Full Answer

Does your air conditioner make your house smell like wet dog?

What if your air conditioner isn’t the cause of the wet dog smell? If you have pets, it could just be that you notice pet odors more when you turn on your AC.

How do you get rid of the smell of wet dog?

If you have carpets or upholstered furniture, try an over the counter odor fighting product, such as Odoban or Odor Xit to see if the wet dog smell disappears. 1. Check Drainage Pans Check your air conditioner’s drainage pan to make sure that it is draining and not holding into any water.

Why is my air conditioner leaking water?

Any leaks in your air conditioning system will introduce moisture – and a perfect habitat for mold, bacteria, and worse. Have your air conditioner repair technician of choice inspect your AC and check for any water leaks.

Why does my air conditioner smell like a wet dog?

Wet dog Frequently, your AC may smell like a wet dog when the filter is past due for a change. If changing the filter doesn't solve the problem, there are other possible causes including Dirty Sock Syndrome, mold, mildew, and actual pet hair.

How do I get rid of the smell in my air conditioner?

Blow compressed air from a distance to ensure that internal components do not get damaged. Use a brush or a smaller piece of cloth to clean the finer dust particles in the front and rear of the unit. Clean the vent and the duct carefully with some cleaning solution and then clear out the cleaning solution with water.

Why does my AC smell like wet feet?

If the smell coming from your AC smells like dirty socks or stinky feet, this is another indication of a moisture issue. Your filters may be dirty or your drainage system clogged, causing too much moisture or standing water in your AC unit that eventually starts to smell like sweaty feet.

Does mold smell like wet dog?

What does mold smell like? Mold tends to have a disagreeably tangy, earthy, musty or foul smell, as it releases mVOCs (microbial volatile organic compounds). The odor is sometimes compared to mushrooms, wet dog, or "eau de locker room."

Why does it stink when I turn on my AC?

Dust, hair, and moisture on the AC filter encourage mildew growth, which can cause a musty odor when the air conditioner runs. This is a likely reason why the air conditioner smells when first turned on if you don't use forced-air heating in winter. To help prevent this odor, clean or replace the filter in the spring.

How do you get the musty smell out of a central air conditioner?

Turn off your HVAC unit and carefully remove the access panel to expose the coil. Gently vacuum the fins and coils with a soft brush attachment. If you notice any bent fins, use a screwdriver to straighten them back out. Spray the coil with a solution made of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and gently wipe them clean.

Why does my room smell like wet socks?

The dirty sock odor is caused by the growth of mold and mildew on the evaporator coil in your air conditioner. Dust gets caught in the moisture that collects in your coil due to continued use, which in turn leads to the growth of mold and mildew.

How do I get rid of wet dog smell in my house?

12 Hacks to Get Rid of the Dog Smell In Your HouseSweep and mop all of your home's hard floors (as appropriate). ... Vacuum, vacuum, and then vacuum some more. ... Steam clean all the carpets in your home. ... Wash all of your linens. ... Wash your pet's bed. ... Let in some fresh air. ... Change your home's air filters.More items...•

Why does my room smell like dog?

Wash it. It's the epicenter of the dirt, saliva, urine, dander, and hair situation that's probably causing that musty dog smell.

What does toxic mold smell like?

Mold has a distinct smell. It's often described as musty and earthy, and may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants. You might notice a musty smell, but not be able to see any mold growing. In this case, you should look for areas that might be exposed to water.

Why does my AC smell like a dog?

Dirty sock syndrome is the result of mold, fungal, and bacterial grown inside of your AC, resulting in a home air conditioner that smells like a wet dog (or worse). The moisture from your AC evaporator coil combines with spores, making the perfect environment for mold and other unwanted substances to grow and thrive.

Why does my dog smell like he is wet?

Your home’s wet dog smell could also be due to an old air filter. If you notice musty or moldy odors, the first thing to do is check and change your AC air filter to make sure that it is not the source of the foul smell.

How to get rid of a wet dog smell in my air conditioner?

The only surefire way to get rid of a wet dog smell in your home’s air conditioner is to clean your evaporator coil – or hire a professional to perform an AC tune-up and cleaning for you. 3. Check Air Filter.

What to do if your air conditioner smells like a dog?

What to Do if Your Home’s Air Conditioner Smells Like a Wet Dog. 1. Check Drainage Pans. Check your air conditioner’s drainage pan to make sure that it is draining and not holding into any water. This could easily be the source of your smelly air conditioner woes. 2.

What happens if your AC leaks?

Any leaks in your air conditioning system will introduce moisture – and a perfect habitat for mold, bacteria, and worse. Have your air conditioner repair technician of choice inspect your AC and check for any water leaks.

Can a dead animal in the ducts cause an air conditioner to smell?

A sad but true fact of life is that sometimes critters find their way into your air conditioner’s ductwork – but never find their way out. A dead animal in your AC ducts can definitely lead to an air conditioner smelling like a wet dog, so it’s important that you inspect your ductwork at the first sign of an odor.