Bad Smell When RV Air Conditioner Is Run
by Ken
(Alberta)
Fixing Bad Smell When RV Air Conditioner Is Running
I get an almost sewer-type smell when I first use the AC; it is especially noticeable if you go out for a while and then come back in.
ANSWER: Hi Ken, first, I am assuming that your RV has Roof Top Air Conditioners. Here are some things to check on. First, make sure that the filter on your air conditioner is clean. If not it would be a good idea to clean it. Most RV AC filters can be carefully washed in warm water with some mild dish detergent. After washing and rinsing the filter, let it air dry until it is completely dry and reinstall it.
If the filter is torn or will not clean up you should replace the RV Air Conditioner Filter. You should check and clean these filters at least once a month.
Once the filter/s is removed on most RV Air Conditioning units, you will be able to see the evaporator coils. Get a flashlight and look at those coils to see if there is any type of accumulation of dirt or debris present if there is use a very soft bristle vacuum attachment to carefully remove the dust and dirt.
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In the next step, you will have to go up on the roof of your RV. The smell could be coming from the roof unit itself due to a little critter that has gotten into the unit and died or even from stagnant water that is not properly draining from the unit. You will have
to remove the shroud on the air conditioner, which is normally held on with several screws.
Once you have the shroud off, you should inspect the Air Conditioner's interior for any dead critters and clean and remove them as needed. Another area you should inspect is the evaporator drain pan. To get to the drain pan, you may have to remove any cover attached to the evaporator.
Once you access the drain pan, you may see stagnant water that is not draining from the pan. If that is the case, check the drain pan for any blocked drain holes. Also, check to make sure that no one has sealed around the drain holes of the Air Conditioner, thinking they were fixing a leak.
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If none of the above solves the smell problem, then in all likelihood, the smell is coming from a broken Black Water or Grey Water vent pipe inside the RV, or the fumes are coming directly from the vent pipes on the roof of your RV.
Additionally, you should check your RV's house batteries to make sure that they are not overcharging. If they are being overcharged and boiling out, they can produce a bad, rotten egg smell that your AC unit could be circulating around the interior of your RV.
Hope this helps.
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RVing Al