AC unit smells funny

[Mace]

when the AC unit in my house (vegas) turns on there is a smell that is similar to when you turn on the heater in the winter. Just a lighter, fainter scent. I am going to go look at the unit and see if there is a mold problem, but that is a pretty long shot here in our 13% humidity...

Any ideas?

It still blows very cold air and does not make any bad noises (like a bearing going bad)

the smell goes away in less than a min as well.

 

[brian]

clean or replace the filter lately?

 

[Mace]

yep, 2 weeks ago, they get replaced monthly

 

[grant5127]

mine had a similar problem... turned out the p-trap on the drain was partly plugged....

 

[Capt. Jim]

I am going to go look at the unit and see if there is a mold problem, but that is a pretty long shot here in our 13% humidity...

Mace,

You will have much higher humidity within your air handler at the evaporator coil, which can cause mold growth on it. This can in turn give you a foul odor when the system turns on. Look for a build-up of debris on your coils. Also, look for what appears to be blotchy areas of growth on the underside of the condensate drain pan and interior surfaces of the air handler.

 

[Gold Boy]

mine had a similar problem... turned out the p-trap on the drain was partly plugged....

x2

i just leave it unplugged now.

 

[Mace]

The condensor coils are located outside on the side of the house. The evaporator coils are actually in the house.
There is not a drop of moisture near the evap coils. Nothing is clogged.
No mold..

The smell is alomst a hot electric smell. But the only thing available to make that smell would be the fan. Which does not get hot at all.
F'n confusing..

I am almost thinking that it is just the super heated air in the ducts (f'n crawlspace the ducting is in gets stupid hot...)

 

[Trollhole]

Do you have heat strips?