When your air conditioner starts putting out strange or unappealing odors, it is important to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Ignoring unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner may lead to further damage to your HVAC system 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. On the other hand, it could also signal something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are even indicative of a dangerous problem, such as a natural gas leak.
At West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc., we are skilled at diagnosing and fixing these type of problems. If you smell something peculiar coming from your air conditioner, you can bet that our team of talented pros has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned our reputation as the go-to team for air conditioning repair in West Jefferson.
What does a specific odor coming coming from your air conditioning mean? Here are several frequent air conditioner odors and what they might mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it can be caused by a buildup of bacteria or fungus inside of it. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can establish an environment that is beneficial to the growth of bacteria and fungus. This can cause a nasty odor that is often described as smelling like dirty feet.
Another potential reason for the stench of dirty feet might be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust and other debris, it can lead to low air quality and a musty smell that bears a resemblance to feet.
To solve this unpleasant situation, 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 replace the air filter routinely to promote good air quality and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning equipment reeks of rotten eggs, it may be due to 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, that is added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak is a situation that is extraordinarily 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 at once.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Mildew
If your AC is giving off an odor like mildew, it could be due to a collection of moisture inside the unit. When moisture forms inside the air conditioning system, it can cultivate the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty smell that it similar to mildew.
Another possible cause of the smell might be a soiled air filter. Once the air filter becomes clogged, it can lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Routine air conditioning maintenance from West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. can help prevent both of these situations, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a great way to keep your system operating at its best!
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Urine
One of the most undesirable situations is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioning equipment reeks of urine, it could be traced back to a number of things. One possible cause is a accumulation of bacteria or mold in the your HVAC. This can happen when moisture accumulates in the system and creates a moist environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can emit a foul odor that resembles urine.
Another possible cause of the stink could be a blocked drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away properly, but if the drain line becomes choked with debris, it can cause water to back up and collect inside the unit. This can produce a musty smell that can stink like urine.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning unit smells like burning plastic, a possible cause could be an electrical problem with the unit. Over time, the electrical components in the air conditioning system can wear out or malfunction, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible reason for the smell could be a foreign object stuck in the unit. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can become hot and result in a smell like burning plastic.
If you smell burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s essential to contact a professional right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner smells like gas, it could be because 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’s because a smell is incorporated into natural gas to make sure that it is easily detectable.
As mentioned before, a natural gas leak can be VERY dangerous and needs 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 contact your gas company or emergency services right away.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Fish
If your air conditioner smell like fish, this could be a sign of a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture creates an environment that promotes the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a disgusting odor that is sometimes described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can result in a smell like dirty feet.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material trapped within the air conditioning system. This often can happen if an animal such as a mouse or bird becomes trapped inside the unit and dies.
To fix the issue, it’s often necessary to have a professional inspect and clean your HVAC system. They should be able to identify the source of the smell and take the correct steps to remove any contaminants and stop the problem from recurring.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Vinegar
There could be several reasons your air conditioning system smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a plugged air filter. Another possible cause of the smell may be a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can generate a chemical odor that is described as smelling of vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s beneficial to have a skilled specialist examine and clean your air conditioning. If the odor lingers after the cleaning and replacing of the air filter, it’s best to reach back out to a professional to identify and repair any underlying issues with your air conditioning. Or, the tech can tell you if your air conditioning should be replaced.
If you are planning to upgrade, West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. can help locate the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We deliver dependable, professional air conditioner installation in West Jefferson.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is emitting out of your air conditioning equipment, it could be caused by a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical scent that some people describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
Another possible reason for the smell could be a problem with the electrical wiring or elements inside the air conditioning system. This can produce a burning smell that resembles chemicals or burning plastic.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak or an electrical concern, 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 prevent injury or damage to your home.
Strange Smell Coming from Your AC? Contact the Experts at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.
If your air conditioner stinks and you aren’t able to fix it quickly on your own, call the cooling professionals at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. 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 weird smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in West Jefferson!