When your air conditioner starts emitting odd or gross aromas, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Dismissing unpleasant smells coming from your cooling system can lead to additional damage to your AC or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the smell, the root of the problem may be bacteria or fungus in the system. Other times, it could also sign something mechanically wrong with the AC. Some smells are a warning of a dangerous situation, like a natural gas leak.
At ACS Heating and Air Conditioning, we have a nose for these sorts of things. If you smell something peculiar coming from your AC, there’s a good chance our team of skilled professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned a reputation as the go-to team for air conditioning repair in Tucker.
What does a specific odor coming coming from your air conditioning mean? Here are some typical air conditioner aromas and what they might mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it could be because of a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the unit. When moisture builds inside the unit, it can create 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 possible reason for the stench of dirty feet could be a dirty air filter. If an air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other contaminants, it can cause substandard air quality and a musty smell that resembles feet.
To correct this problem, 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 ensure good air quality and prevent the development of bacteria and fungus.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning unit smells like rotten eggs, 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 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 allow gas to escape the area, make everyone leave the building and call your gas company or emergency services immediately.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew
If your cooling system is giving off an odor like mildew, it may be due to a collection of moisture inside the unit. When moisture forms inside the air conditioning system, it can promote the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty stench that resembles mildew.
Another possible explanation for the smell may be a clogged air filter. Once the air filter becomes clogged, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Routine air conditioning maintenance from ACS Heating and Air Conditioning can help prevent both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a very good way to keep your system running at its best!
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Urine
One of the most undesirable scenarios is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioning smells like urine, it could could be caused by multiple factors. One potential cause is a buildup of bacteria or mold in the your HVAC. This can happen if moisture accumulates in the system and creates a wet environment that can promote bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that some people describe as smelling like urine.
Another potential cause of the smell could be a plugged drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away effectively, but if the drain line becomes clogged with debris, it can cause water to back up and build up inside the unit. This can produce a musty smell that can stink like urine.
Your AC Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioner smells like burning plastic, this could indicate an electrical issue with the unit. After a while, the electrical components in the air conditioning system can wear out or malfunction, which can create a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible root cause of the smell could be a foreign object stuck in the HVAC system. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can get hot and cause a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you smell burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s essential to call 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 the surrounding area. Natural gas has a distinct aroma, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is added to natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As mentioned earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous and requires 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 phone your gas company or emergency services right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Fish
Should your air conditioning equipment smell like fish, it could be due to a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture causes an environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a foul odor that can be 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 correct the issue, it’s often necessary to have a professional examine and clean your HVAC system. They will be able to determine the source of the smell and take the correct steps to remove any contaminants and prevent the problem from recurring.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
There could be several reasons your AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause of the smell could be a clogged air filter. One other likely cause of the smell could be a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can make a chemical odor that resembles vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s important to have a skilled specialist look at and clean your air conditioning. If the odor persists after the cleaning and replacing of the air filter, it’s best to reach back out to a professional to diagnose and repair any hidden issues with your air conditioning. Or, they can tell you if your air conditioning should be replaced.
If you are looking to upgrade, ACS Heating and Air Conditioning can help find the right unit to fit your home’s needs. We offer dependable, professional air conditioner installation in Tucker.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming from your air conditioning equipment, it could be the result of a refrigerant leak. In a situation where the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that is often described as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
An additional possible cause of the smell could be a problem with the electrical wiring or hardware inside the air conditioning system. This can cause a burning smell that it similar to chemicals or burning plastic.
If you believe there is a refrigerant leak or an electrical issue, it’s important to shut down your air conditioning system as soon as possible 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 residence.
Weird Smells Coming from the Air Conditioning? Call the Pros at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning
If your air conditioner stinks and you aren’t able to fix it simply on your own, reach out to the cooling experts at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning. We have plenty of experience working with a wide variety of air conditioning systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning troubles throughout the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Tucker!
