This is our first summer in a home that is new to us (built in 2002). The hous is in the Phoenix area with a concrete slab. The bulk of the system is in the attic. The house is served by a 2 ton and a 3 ton unit. When we moved in last fall the filters on the three returns were clogged to the point that one of the units would freeze up. We have kept fresh filters in the system since and have had the ducts inspected to make sure they are clean (they are).
About 6 weeks ago we noticed a dusty smell that mirrors the smell of the attic space when the AC system kicks on. It is most noticeable in the two rooms on the smaller unit, likely because they are not as open as the rest of the house. The smell gets worse later in the day (maybe the result of the unit being on more often as it gets hotter?).
In an attempt to troubleshoot this I have had the ductwork checked for leaks, was told by a duct cleaning company that my ducts are clean and not the source of the smell, had the units serviced, weatherstripped the attic hatch door (opposite the return where the smell is the worst), all to no avail.
My wife is preganant and can smell everything right now, making it unbearable for her. I can smell it too (I'm not pregnant!) and it fires up my allergies as soon as I walk into the room. It has been suggested that I have the coils cleaned - however no one can say with certainty that will solve the problem. And, I am being told it will cost $xxx to $xxx to have them cleaned becuse of how difficult they are to access in the attic. If it works - I don't care about the cost. If it doesn't work, I worry about introducing the smell of the cleaner into the house and the impact it well have on my wife's super sensitive nose.
Any thoughts/suggestions?
Steve
About 6 weeks ago we noticed a dusty smell that mirrors the smell of the attic space when the AC system kicks on. It is most noticeable in the two rooms on the smaller unit, likely because they are not as open as the rest of the house. The smell gets worse later in the day (maybe the result of the unit being on more often as it gets hotter?).
In an attempt to troubleshoot this I have had the ductwork checked for leaks, was told by a duct cleaning company that my ducts are clean and not the source of the smell, had the units serviced, weatherstripped the attic hatch door (opposite the return where the smell is the worst), all to no avail.
My wife is preganant and can smell everything right now, making it unbearable for her. I can smell it too (I'm not pregnant!) and it fires up my allergies as soon as I walk into the room. It has been suggested that I have the coils cleaned - however no one can say with certainty that will solve the problem. And, I am being told it will cost $xxx to $xxx to have them cleaned becuse of how difficult they are to access in the attic. If it works - I don't care about the cost. If it doesn't work, I worry about introducing the smell of the cleaner into the house and the impact it well have on my wife's super sensitive nose.
Any thoughts/suggestions?
Steve
