When your air conditioner starts putting out unusual or unappealing smells, it is important to take notice because it could be a sign of a significant problem. Dismissing unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner can 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 root of the problem could be bacteria or fungus in the system. On the other hand, it could also sign something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are a sign of a harmful problem, including a natural gas leak.
At Western Mechanical, Inc., we have a nose for these sorts of things. If you smell something peculiar coming from your air conditioner, there’s a good chance our team of talented specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned a reputation as the premier company for air conditioning repair in Cache Valley.
What does a certain smell billowing coming from your AC mean? Here are a few common air conditioner odors and what they may mean:
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it might be due to a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the system. When moisture builds inside the unit, it can create an environment that is favorable to the growth of bacteria and fungus. This can produce a foul odor that is often described as smelling like dirty feet.
Another potential reason for the stench of dirty feet may be a dirty air filter. If an air filter becomes choked with dirt, dust and other debris, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that bears a resemblance to feet.
To solve this dilemma, it’s important to have a professional 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 restrict the development of bacteria and fungus.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioner 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 distinctive 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 extremely dangerous and requires immediate attention. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, immediately open windows and doors to allow gas to escape the area, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services at once.
Your AC Smells Like Mildew
If your AC emits a smell like mildew, it may be due to a buildup of moisture inside the unit. When moisture forms inside the air conditioning system, it can foster the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty odor that resembles mildew.
Another possible cause of the smell might be a dirty air filter. If the air filter becomes clogged, it can lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that is similar to mildew.
Annual air conditioning maintenance from Western Mechanical, Inc. can help protect against both of these problems, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a very good way to keep your system working at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most distressing situations is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioning equipment stinks like urine, it could could be caused by multiple factors. One likely cause is a buildup of bacteria or mold in the your cooling system. This can happen in the event that moisture accumulates in the system and creates a moist environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. The bacteria can emit a foul odor that is like urine.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a clogged drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away effectively, but if the drain line becomes choked with debris, it can cause water to back up and accumulate inside the unit. This can create a musty smell that can stink like urine.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning unit smells like burning plastic, this could indicate an electrical issue with the unit. Over time, the electrical components 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 caught in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and emit a smell like burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s important to contact 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 recognizable odor, often described as smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because this scent is incorporated into natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As stated previously, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous and calls for immediate attention. Should you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, open windows and doors to air out the home, evacuate the building and contact your gas company or emergency services straight away.
Your AC Smells Like Fish
Should your air conditioning equipment smell like fish, this could be a sign of a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture produces an environment that fosters the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a disgusting odor that is often 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 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 often necessary to have a professional inspect and clean your air conditioning 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.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
There could be multiple reasons a home’s air conditioner smells like vinegar. One possible cause of the smell could be a plugged air filter. Another likely cause of the smell could be a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can generate a chemical odor that is described as smelling of vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s important to have a skilled specialist inspect and clean your air conditioning. If the odor continues after the cleaning and exchanging the air filter, it’s best to reach back out to a professional to find and repair any underlying issues with your air conditioning. Or, the mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are wanting to upgrade, Western Mechanical, Inc. can help select the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We deliver trustworthy, skilled air conditioner installation in Cache Valley.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioning equipment, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. When 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 reason for the smell could be something wrong with the electrical wiring or elements inside the air conditioning system. This can cause 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 down your air conditioning system immediately and contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be hazardous and may require immediate attention to protect against injury or damage to your home.
A Nasty Odor Coming from Your AC? Call the Pros at Western Mechanical, Inc.
If your air conditioner reeks and you aren’t able to fix it quickly on your own, call the cooling specialists at Western Mechanical, Inc.. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of cooling systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning problems over the years—including weird smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Cache Valley!