The biggest reason for the lingering odors in your home is your old AC system. As it runs continuously in the background daily, the air filter and air ducts pick up the substances that cause odor and disperse it throughout your home. Studies show that individuals living in a household cannot detect odors that have become a staple smell in their dwelling. For example, a family that frequently cooks with olive oil will not notice the smell of lingering olive oil in their home over time, but those who don’t visit their home often will pick up on it.  

How to minimize the lingering odors in your home

• When cooking food, it’s crucial to have proper ventilation and use the aerator above the stove. If something begins to burn, open windows and doors to help with ventilation.  
• Pets are a significant source of many odors; they carry in from outside and produce their own smells. Keeping pets regularly bathed and brushed will help reduce the odors. 
• Avoid mildew smells by maintaining a stable temperature in your home even when you’re not there. A big mistake people make is turning the AC off when they go to work or leave their homes. This can create an ideal circumstance for mold and mildew. These fungi not only have a distinct potent odor but can also pose a severe health risk. 
• Keep your sink drains well maintained and clear of food after all meals. Gunk can build up quickly inside the sink drain and cause foul odors in the home.  
• Every one to two months, deep clean your carpets with hot water and carpet-safe shampoo to remove any allergens or odors trapped in the carpet.  

• Keep the trash bin empty overnight. Take any food waste or organic material such as diapers, food scraps, or coffee grounds to the main bin outside. Keeping them in the home for any period will produce odors.  
• Clean your ceiling fans. Wipe your fan blades down with an antibacterial cloth or cleaning agent every month. As a bonus, this will also help minimize the dust in your home.  
• Regularly clean your ovens, toasters, microwaves, and stovetops. These common appliances can quickly become dirty and hold on to odors.  
• Ensure you are using suitable HVAC filters and replacing them on time. Using a high-quality HVAC filter will eliminate up to 50% of lingering odors in the home and improve the overall smell and air quality.  
• Getting your AC duct cleaned twice a year and sanitized is also advisable. Doing this eliminates the odors and bacteria trapped inside and helps to reduce dust and dirt circulating through your home.

To schedule your next routine maintenance appointment, contact the professional, certified technicians at EasyBreezy A/C today!