When your air conditioner starts putting out odd or funky odors, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a significant problem. Disregarding unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioning can lead to additional damage to your air conditioning or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the cause of the odor, the cause might be bacteria or fungus in the system. Other times, it could also indicate something mechanically wrong with the air conditioning system. Some smells are even indicative of an unsafe problem, such as a natural gas leak.
At Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, we are experienced at getting to the root cause of stinky smells. If you smell something peculiar coming from your air conditioner, you can bet that our team of qualified pros has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned the reputation as the go-to team for air conditioning repair in Circleville.
What does a specific odor coming out of your cooling system mean? Here are several typical air conditioner odors and what they might mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it can be due to a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the unit. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can establish an environment that is favorable to the spread of bacteria and fungus. This can produce a bad odor that is often described as smelling like feet.
Another possible explanation for the stench of dirty feet may be a dirty air filter. When your HVAC system's air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other contaminants, it can lead to low air quality and a musty smell that it similar to the smell of feet.
To fix this unpleasant situation, it's important to have a quality service tech inspect and clean your air conditioning system, including the evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain line. It's also important to change the air filter on a regular basis to promote good air quality and prevent the formation of bacteria and fungus.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning unit smells like rotten eggs, it might be the result of a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a recognizable odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur, that is added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak can be extremely dangerous and requires immediate attention. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, immediately open windows and doors to air out the area, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services immediately.
Your AC Smells Like Mildew
If your cooling system is giving off an odor like mildew, it may be due to a buildup of moisture inside the unit. When moisture collects inside the air conditioning system, it can cultivate the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Another possible reason for the smell could be a dirty air filter. Once the air filter becomes clogged, it can result in poor air quality and a musty smell that is similar to mildew.
Regular air conditioning maintenance from Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling can help protect against both of these situations, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a great way to keep your system operating at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most undesirable things is when the air coming out of your HVAC system smells like urine.
If your air conditioning equipment stinks like urine, it could be traced back to a number of things. One likely cause is a accumulation of bacteria or mold in the air conditioning system. This can happen in the event that moisture accumulates in the system and creates a damp environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that resembles urine.
Another feasible cause of the scent of urine could be a blocked drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away correctly, but if the drain line becomes choked with debris, it can cause water to back up and build up inside the unit. This can generate a musty smell that is sometimes described as smelling of urine.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning system smells like burning plastic, a possible cause could be an electrical issue with the unit. After a while, the electrical elements in the air conditioning system can wear out or malfunction, which can create a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible reason for the smell could be a foreign object lodged in the the air conditioner. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and cause a smell like burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your AC unit, it’s worthwhile to phone a professional right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner smells like gas, it could be due to a natural gas leak in the unit or in your home. Natural gas has a distinctive smell, often described as smelling similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because a smell is added to natural gas to make sure that it is easily detectable.
As we said before, a natural gas leak can be VERY dangerous and requires immediate attention. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, open windows and doors to air out the home, get everyone out of the building and phone your gas company or emergency services straight away.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Fish
Should your AC smell like fish, this could be a sign of a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture creates an environment that fosters the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a strong odor that is often described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can cause a smell like dirty feet.
Another plausible explanation for the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material stuck inside the air conditioning system. This often can happen if an animal such as a mouse or bird gets trapped inside the unit and dies.
To solve the issue, it's important to have a professional inspect and clean your cooling system. They will be able to determine the source of the smell and take the proper steps to remove any contaminants and prevent the problem from recurring.
Your AC Smells Like Vinegar
There could be several reasons an AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a clogged air filter. A second possible cause of the smell might be a refrigerant leak. Sometimes after the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that resembles vinegar.
To fix the issue, it's important to have a skilled mechanic look at and clean your air conditioning. If the odor continues after the cleaning and replacing of the air filter, it's best to reach back out to a professional to identify and repair any hidden issues with your air conditioning. Or, the tech can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are planning to upgrade, Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling can help select the ideal unit to fit your home’s needs. We offer reliable, skilled air conditioner installation in Circleville.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioning equipment, it could be caused by a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical aroma that some people describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
Another possible source of the smell could be an issue with the electrical wiring or hardware inside the air conditioning system. This can produce a burning smell that resembles chemicals or burning plastic.
If you believe there is a refrigerant leak or an electrical problem, it's important to shut off your air conditioning system right away and contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be harmful and may require immediate attention to protect against injury or damage to your residence.
Strange Smell Coming from Your Cooling? Call the Pros at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling
If your air conditioner reeks and you aren’t able to fix it simply on your own, contact the cooling specialists at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of AC systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning troubles throughout the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Circleville!