When your air conditioner starts spewing weird or unappealing aromas, it is a good idea to take notice because it could be a sign of a major problem. Ignoring unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioning could lead to further damage to your AC or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the cause of the odor, the root of the problem 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 a dangerous situation, like a natural gas leak.
At Stieferman Heating Company Inc, we are experienced at getting to the root cause of stinky smells. If you smell something weird coming from your AC, chances are 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 Jefferson City.
What does a certain smell coming out of your AC mean? Here are some common air conditioner odors and what they might mean:
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it might be because of a buildup of bacteria or fungus inside of it. When moisture builds inside the unit, it can create an environment that is beneficial to the growth of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a bad odor that is often described as smelling like stinky feet.
Another likely cause of the smell could be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust and other debris, it can lead to substandard air quality and a musty smell that resembles 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 exchange the air filter regularly to promote good air quality and protect against the growth of bacteria and fungus.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning equipment smells like rotten eggs, it could be the result of a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a distinct 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 is 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, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew
If your AC emits a smell 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 odor that resembles mildew.
Another possible reason for the smell could be a dirty air filter. If the air filter becomes clogged, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that has a resemblance to mildew.
Regular air conditioning maintenance from Stieferman Heating Company Inc can help avoid both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a great way to keep your system working at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most unpleasant scenarios 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 collection of bacteria or mold in the air conditioning system. This can happen when moisture accumulates in the system and creates a wet environment that can promote bacterial growth. The bacteria can create a foul odor that resembles urine.
Another potential cause of the smell 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 clogged with debris, it can cause water to back up and collect inside the unit. This can generate a musty smell that resembles urine.
Your AC Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioner smells like burning plastic, this could indicate an electrical concern 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 root cause of the smell could be a foreign object that somehow got in the HVAC system. If something foreign gets trapped in the air conditioning system, it can get hot and result in a smell that reminds people of burning plastic.
If you notice something that smells like burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s important to call a professional right away.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioning 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 smell, often described as smelling similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because a smell is incorporated into natural gas to make it easily detectable.
As stated earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY harmful and needs immediate attention. Should you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, open windows and doors to air out the home, leave the building and phone your gas company or emergency services as soon as possible.
Your AC Smells Like Fish
When your air conditioner smell like fish, it could be due to 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 foul odor that is often described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can result in a smell like dirty feet.
Another plausible explanation for the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material stuck within the air conditioning system. This often can happen if an animal such as a mouse or bird is trapped inside the unit and dies.
To solve the issue, it’s worthwhile to have a professional examine and clean your HVAC system. They can find the source of the smell and take the appropriate steps to remove any contaminants and keep the problem from recurring.
Your AC Smells Like Vinegar
There could be several reasons a home’s air conditioning system smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a plugged air filter. A second potential cause of the smell might be a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that is described as smelling of vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s beneficial to have a skilled mechanic look at and clean your air conditioning. If the odor persists after the cleaning and changing of 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 tech can tell you if your air conditioning should be replaced.
If you are planning to upgrade, Stieferman Heating Company Inc can help locate the right unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide reliable, expert air conditioner installation in Jefferson City.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming from your air conditioning unit, it could be the result of a refrigerant leak. In a situation where the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that some people describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
One other possible reason for the smell could be problems with the electrical wiring or components 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 problem, it’s important to turn off 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 prevent injury or damage to your residence.
Weird Smells Coming from Your AC? Contact the Experts at Stieferman Heating Company Inc
If your air conditioner smells nasty and you aren’t able to fix it quickly on your own, reach out to the cooling professionals at Stieferman Heating Company Inc. We have plenty of experience working with a wide variety of cooling systems. Our crew has fixed a multitude of air conditioning troubles through the years—including strange smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Jefferson City!