Smells from Window A/C, PTAC, Central A/C

TeachMeSteam

I had a question about the smells coming from A/C units.



I know window A/C units have a moldy smell that come from them that is unavoidable. Basically, water from condensation form in the drip pan which gets moldy. You need some water in this pan so that the unit works more effectively. You can drain it occasionally and clean it with chlorine but it's a hassle.



I was wondering why the same smell doesn't come in central A/C units. And, do the PTAC units also smell?



I'm asking these questions because I might upgrade my window units to a central A/C or PTAC units and was curious about the smell.

furnacefigher15

Not sure about the ptac

But, the standard central residential a/c does not have this issue, as the condensate drains completely on each cycle. That's not to say there are no exceptions, but generally speaking the smell is not there.