Air-conditioners have left an indelible mark on our modern perceptions of comfort, be it at home, work or in the car. The industry uses the term HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is used to describe all assets that monitor the temperature and air quality of indoor environments, most notably vehicles and buildings. Managing these assets effectively often requires specialized asset management software to track performance and maintenance schedules.

However, as many of us know far too well, that much anticipated waft of blissfully cool air on a hot, summery day can often accompanied by a very unpleasant smell. This odour is a grave warning sign that something is not working properly and should not be ignored. This article will help you to make sense of the problem and offer some support in dealing with the issue.

Understanding and addressing these warning signs requires systematic tracking of HVAC performance. A comprehensive CAFM system can help facility managers monitor air conditioning units and schedule preventive maintenance to avoid air quality issues before they become problematic.

How can you find out what is causing this discomfort?

Many HVAC clients believe their air conditioning issues are as a result of product defects but actually, more than 50% of HVAC issues arise due to a lack of maintenance.

One of the main roles of AC’s is to filter surrounding air which creates the need for regular cleaning and maintenance of the equipment’s filters.

Maintaining clean filters and ensuring regular equipment servicing requires keeping track of replacement parts, cleaning supplies, and maintenance schedules. This is where inventory management software becomes essential for facility managers looking to prevent maintenance-related issues.

One of the problems problem associated with improper maintenance is that it can lead to bad smells and product failure but also more worryingly, to the development of bacteria and fungi inside the air-conditioner unit. These fungi can deteriorate the quality of the air and spread diseases such as Legionella which is caused by bacteria that thrive within the cooling towers of AC units.

Given the serious health risks associated with bacteria like Legionella that can develop in poorly maintained HVAC systems, compliance management software can help ensure regular maintenance schedules meet safety and regulatory requirements to protect building occupants.

Although bad maintenance is one of the main causes for bad odour and air quality, there are numerous other risk factors which you should understand. Keep reading to find out what these risks are and some suggestions on how to fix them.

  • Poor drainage

In residential environments, it is common that picking a bad spot to install the unit may be the cause of air-conditioning equipment releasing bad odours. We recommend that you check where the draining tube is pointing and to ensure the quality of the water source. Very often, maintenance technicians find that the unit is connected to the sewage system which would, quite obviously, be the root of the bad smell.

When maintenance issues arise across multiple locations or require specialist attention, field service management software can help coordinate technician visits and ensure timely repairs to prevent air quality problems from developing.

  • External causes

When there is a bad smell emanating from an air-conditioning system in a car, the most common cause is the accumulation of leaves inside the car’s hollow wall.

  • Humidity

The bacteria that develop bad odours normally prefer poorly ventilated, stagnant conditions where they can more easily grow and develop. These rancid conditions can often be easily fixed by ensuring regular circulation of fresh air.

For large facilities managing multiple HVAC systems across different zones, implementing comprehensive facility management software can streamline operations and prevent maintenance issues before they escalate into problems like bad odours and poor air quality.

Due to the large amount of equipment owned, many companies and big facilities opt for a maintenance plan for HVAC systems. CMMS software makes it easier to find and signal issues in HVAC equipment early on and ensure they are not left unattended to. A software solution like Infraspeak can help you to create a plan that will allow you to:

  • Check filtration levels;
  • Analyse the contamination state;
  • Check equipment degradation and odor levels;
  • Check hygiene conditions;
  • Check air holes’ cleanliness;
  • Clean ventilation tubes.

You should now have a better understanding of why proper maintenance of your air-conditioning system is key. Regardless of the equipment you are using, taking good care of your AC is akin to taking care of your health and those around you.