Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Support Group

Hi everyone, I'm new here. I have a question...we just had a ductless 'split' AC/heater unit installed, in the same room where I spend most of my time. I am already feeling woosy and slightly nauseous. I also have Addison's disease, and some sensitivities, and I figure PVC and probably flame retardants, are oozing from the unit.

Anyone have an idea when it might be done outgasing?

Thank you!

yes... you are NOT making this up. It smells bitter? Almost like a sour wintergreen that tingles your teeth? sticks to toung? I am guessing the oil or refrigerant used is what is off-gassing. It will overtime. Also a new unit has a lot of "virgin" surfaces that need time to age for it to possible go away. PVC new maybe, but I would guess the conducting metal surfaces that exchange heat and cold and the seals on the oil for the refrigerant are not the best? I have been around units that were failing that smelled HORRIBLE and strong, made me sick. I voiced my concern for the people there, but they didn't think it was that much harm to them...(i think a couple had sore throats and colds...nah not much of an effect there). I have thrown baking soda in the styrofoam well of my ac unit and that curred a WORLD of isses. OHH as i write this.. MOLD. Maybe microbes are colinizing and forming this smell also. It could be the part making you most react is the small amount of mold that might develope. Make sure to run a great airfilter in that room and try a carbon filter on the output and input or maybe a baking soda filter? Im not trying to scare but any inbalance in the system will make it near impossible for bacteria and mold to live in duct-work.

Baking soda is a great odor EATER, put it on carpet and it is a GREAT cleaning and totally safe for most carpets and you can leave it in there for a couple of days to get the best effect!

Post edited by: fedge, at: 09/27/2012 06:45 PM

I just ran my ac for a short time after it had been dormant for about 2 weeks of cool air. YUCK! I survived, but I could have done better without it.. the cool was more appreciated and eventually the smell went away. I am convinced that electronics clean the air up a bit anyway. with all the tvs and computers running in my house they must clean up a lot of junk..