When your air conditioner starts spewing strange or unappealing odors, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Dismissing unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner could lead to further damage to your air conditioning or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the cause of the odor, the culprit might be bacteria or fungus in the system. On the other hand, it could also signal something mechanically wrong with the AC. Some smells are a warning of a hazardous scenario, such as a natural gas leak.
At Dearing's Service & Solutions, 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 premier company for air conditioning repair in Huntingburg.
What does a particular smell billowing from your cooling system mean? Here are some common air conditioner odors and what they might mean:
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it might be because of a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the unit. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can produce an environment that is conducive to the spread of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a nasty odor that is often described as smelling like feet.
Another likely explanation for the stench of dirty feet might be a dirty air filter. If an air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other particles, it can lead to substandard air quality and a musty smell that bears a resemblance to feet.
To solve this dilemma, it's important to have an experienced specialist 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 routinely to provide good air quality and restrict the development of bacteria and fungus.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs, it may be because of a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a unique odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur, which is because of a substance added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak can be very 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, make everyone leave the building and call your gas company or emergency services immediately.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew
If your air conditioner is giving off an odor like mildew, it might be due to a buildup of moisture inside the unit. When moisture collects inside an air conditioner, it can foster the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Another possible reason for the smell might be a clogged air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, it can lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that is similar to mildew.
Routine air conditioning maintenance from Dearing's Service & Solutions can help avoid both of these problems, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a great way to keep your system working at its best!
My Air Conditioner 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 reeks of urine, it could be due to a variety of factors. One likely cause is a buildup of bacteria or mold in the air conditioning system. This can happen if moisture accumulates in the system and creates a damp environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that some people describe as smelling like urine.
Another feasible cause of the scent of urine could be a clogged drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away correctly, but if the drain line becomes stopped up by debris, it can cause water to back up and build up inside the unit. This can produce a musty smell that is sometimes described as smelling of urine.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning unit smells like burning plastic, this could indicate an electrical problem with the unit. Over time, the electrical parts in the air conditioning system can wear out or break, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible reason for the smell could be a foreign object that somehow got in the the air conditioner. If something foreign gets trapped in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and cause a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you notice something that smells like burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s worthwhile to contact a professional right away.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner smells like gas, it could be because of a natural gas leak in the unit or in another part of your home. Natural gas has a recognizable odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because this scent is put into natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As stated earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY dangerous and requires immediate attention. When you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, open windows and doors to air out the home, evacuate the building and phone your gas company or emergency services as soon as possible.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Fish
When your AC smell like fish, it could be due to a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture produces an environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a disgusting odor that can be described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can result in a smell like dirty feet.
Another potential cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material caught inside the air conditioning system. This often is possible if an animal such as a mouse or bird gets trapped inside the unit and dies.
To fix the issue, it's worthwhile to have a professional examine and clean your HVAC system. They should be able to find the source of the smell and take the correct steps to remove any contaminants and stop the problem from recurring.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
There could be numerous reasons an AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause is a dirty air filter. Another possible cause of the smell might be a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can make a chemical odor that is described as smelling of vinegar.
To fix the issue, it's essential to have a skilled mechanic inspect and clean your air conditioning. If the odor lingers after the cleaning and changing of the air filter, it's best to reach back out to a professional to identify and repair any persistent issues with your air conditioning. Or, they can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are wanting to upgrade, Dearing's Service & Solutions can help locate the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide trustworthy, expert air conditioner installation in Huntingburg.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioning unit, it could be caused by a refrigerant leak. In a situation where the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical scent that some people describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
An additional possible cause of the smell could be problems with the electrical wiring or hardware inside the air conditioning system. This can result in a burning smell that it similar to chemicals or burning plastic.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak or an electrical concern, it's important to shut off your air conditioning system as soon as possible and contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be harmful and may require immediate attention to avoid injury or damage to your house.
Strange Smell Coming from Your AC? Call the Pros at Dearing's Service & Solutions
If your air conditioner smells nasty and you aren’t able to fix it smoothly on your own, reach out to the cooling experts at Dearing's Service & Solutions. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of air conditioning systems. Our crew has fixed a multitude of air conditioning concerns throughout the years—including strange smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Huntingburg!