Already Cleaned but Your Air Conditioner Still Smells? Gold Coast Guide
- Brett Wells
- Jan 10
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever said “I’ve cleaned the filters but my air conditioner still smells”, you’re not alone. Across Gold Coast homes, air conditioning systems work harder than most parts of Australia due to heat, humidity, storms and sudden temperature changes. Unfortunately, many smells don’t come from what you can see, they come from deep inside the system.
This guide explains why air conditioners still smell after cleaning, what causes it in Gold Coast conditions and why choosing a properly trained air conditioning technician matters more than ever.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Still Smell After Cleaning?
Many homeowners believe that cleaning filters or spraying a deodoriser solves odours. In reality, that only addresses surface dust, not the real source.
Hidden Mould and Bacteria Inside the Unit
Gold Coast humidity creates the perfect environment for mould and bacteria. Even after visible cleaning, moisture remains on:
Evaporator coils
Fan barrels
Drain pans
These hidden areas allow bacteria to grow, releasing musty, greasy or sour smells every time your system runs.
Blocked or Dirty Drain Lines
If your drain line is partially blocked, water pools inside the unit instead of draining away. This stagnant water quickly becomes contaminated, producing unpleasant odours that spread through your home.
Drain issues are one of the most common causes of persistent air conditioning smells on the Gold Coast.
Old Filters and Dusty Airflow Paths
Filters that are old, incorrectly fitted or overloaded with fine dust can hold odours. In some homes, smells also build up in internal airflow components, which basic cleans never reach.
When the system turns on, those trapped smells are pushed straight back into living areas.
Electrical or Refrigerant-Related Smells
A sharp chemical smell or burning odour should never be ignored. These can indicate:
Electrical overheating
Failing components
Refrigerant-related issues
These are safety concerns and require immediate assessment by a licensed air conditioning technician.
Not All “Air Conditioner Cleans” Are the Same
This is where many homeowners get caught out.
Some “AC cleans” offered online or through marketplaces are performed by people without formal air conditioning training, using:
Incorrect chemicals
Household detergents
High-pressure sprays not designed for AC systems
These products can:
Damage coils and insulation
Leave chemical residues that cause ongoing smells
Corrode internal components
Void manufacturer warranties
A quick spray-and-go clean may make a unit look better, but it often fails to remove mould and bacteria or worse, spreads it further.
Why EvidiAir’s Professional Deep Clean Works
At EvidiAir, we specialise in professional air conditioning servicing on the Gold Coast, using methods designed specifically for AC systems, not shortcuts.
What Makes EvidiAir Different
✔ Fully trained and licensed air conditioning technicians
✔ AC-safe, industry-approved cleaning products
✔ Controlled cleaning pressure to protect components
✔ Focus on internal odour sources, not masking smells
How EvidiAir Eliminates Persistent AC Smells
Our deep-cleaning process targets:
Evaporator coils
Fan barrels
Drain pans and drain lines
Internal airflow surfaces
By removing built-up grease, mould and bacteria at the source, we stop odours from returning — not just temporarily covering them.
This approach is suitable for both residential air conditioning Gold Coast homes and light commercial systems.
Why Smells Come Back Faster in Gold Coast Weather
Gold Coast systems face unique stress:
Stormy days followed by extreme heat
High humidity trapped indoors
Longer run times during holiday gatherings
Without proper servicing, moisture stays inside the unit, accelerating mould growth and odour issues.
Professional servicing helps your system cope with weather fluctuations, maintain airflow and protect indoor air quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my AC smell musty only when it turns on?
This usually means mould or bacteria inside the system that becomes airborne when airflow starts.
Can a bad AC smell be harmful?
Yes. Mould spores and bacteria can affect indoor air quality and aggravate asthma or allergies.
How often should air conditioning be professionally cleaned on the Gold Coast?
Most homes benefit from professional servicing every 12 months or more often in high-humidity or heavy-use environments.
If your air conditioner still smells after cleaning, the issue is deeper than filters. Choosing trained air conditioning professionals using the right products is the difference between a temporary fix and lasting results.
EvidiAir provides trusted, professional air conditioning servicing across the Gold Coast, focusing on comfort, safety and clean air you can actually smell the difference in.
📍 Servicing ALL Gold Coast
⚙️ Servicing • Repairs • Maintenance
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