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weird smell in AC

15 years ago

Hi experts,

I just opened up the vents and turned on my central AC for the first time the other day. Actually, it's the first time since 2006--never got around to doing it last year, and tho we had a few hot days we didn't really need it. In 2006, we used it a lot.

There's a strange smell coming in some of the rooms. Not real strong, but noticeable. Not the stench of recent death. Almost like fish. Salmon, actually. I dunno. It's weird.

Anyway, my questions are

1. Could something have gotten in the ducts in the attic? The vents and the filter openings all look clean.

2. Does this type of system have access points where you can stick your shop vac in the ducts and clean them out? It's a ranch house, w/ all the ductwork in the attic and the unit outside.

I've never actually been in the attic, because the pull-down stairs creak horribly and they're over the basement stairs. Really don't need to fall 20 ft. It's on our list to replace, but hasn't gotten done yet. The home inspector was up there when we bought, and everything was fine then. But, I don't really know what stuff looks like up there.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

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Comments (4)

lucy
15 years ago
If there is any opening of 1/2 an inch or more, someting could have gotten inside and not made it out, but as to how to open the machine to check it out, I have no clue.
randy427
15 years ago
It could also be mold/mildew.
I'd change the air filter, and while it's out, spray a good dose of Lysol (or something similar) in through the slot where the filter goes.
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brickeyee
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Attic duct work that is ONLY used for one season should be sealed off from the interior of the house when not in use.

All during heating season warm air with moisture was rising into the ducts, then condensing in them since they are cold.
This can allow mold to start on the normal dust present in ducts.

Duct systems are not designed with 'easy access' openings since they would than have to be sealed up for use.
Without a frame, even an access door will not seal in a thin metal used to make ducts.

You MAY be a candidate for having the ducts cleaned (for most ducts is it an unneeded thing).
housenewbie
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the info.

I don't know what the previous owner did in the winters; we didn't get any kind of intake covers when we bought. After the first winter I realized we shd close them up somehow, but since I'd have to make the cover myself, i didn't get it done. I do close up the vents, but the intakes are a problem. One of them drips when it gets really cold (teens). Condensation.

So, what's involved in having the ducts cleaned? Do they use some kind of brush device like chimney sweepers?

Thanks for the help.

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