When your air conditioner starts putting out weird or funky smells, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Disregarding unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioning can lead to additional damage to your air conditioning or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the smell, the cause may be bacteria or fungus in the system. On the other hand, it could also indicate something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are a sign of a dangerous situation, like a natural gas leak.
At Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces, we have a nose for these sorts of things. If you smell something odd coming from your air conditioner, you can bet that our team of qualified professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned our reputation as the premier company for air conditioning repair in Alliance.
What does a particular smell billowing from your cooling system mean? Here are some common air conditioner odors and what they could 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 unit. When moisture builds inside the unit, it can establish an environment that is conducive to the spread of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a bad odor that is often described as smelling like feet.
Another likely explanation for the stench of dirty feet may be a dirty air filter. When your HVAC system’s air filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust and other particles, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles feet.
To fix 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 routinely to ensure good air quality and restrict the growth of bacteria and fungus.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your stinks like rotten eggs, it might 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 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 ventilate the area, get everyone out of the building and call your gas company or emergency services immediately.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew
If your AC is giving off an odor like mildew, it may be due to a buildup of moisture inside the unit. When moisture accumulates inside an air conditioner, it can cultivate the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty odor that bears a resemblance to mildew.
Another possible cause of the smell may be a dirty air filter. If the air filter becomes clogged, it can result in poor air quality and a musty smell that has a resemblance to mildew.
Regular air conditioning maintenance from Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces 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 operating at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most undesirable things is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioning equipment smells like urine, it could could be caused by multiple factors. One likely cause is a collection of bacteria or mold in the your cooling system. This can happen if moisture accumulates in the system and creates a wet environment that can promote bacterial growth. The bacteria can emit a foul odor that it similar to urine.
Another feasible 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 filled with debris, it can cause water to back up and collect inside the unit. This can generate a musty smell that is sometimes described as smelling of urine.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your AC smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical problem with the unit. Over time, the electrical elements in the air conditioning system can wear out or malfunction, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a foreign object that somehow got in the unit. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can get hot and result in a smell that reminds people of burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s important to call a professional right away.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas
If your AC smells like gas, it could be due to a natural gas leak in the unit or in your home. Natural gas has a distinct odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is incorporated into natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As mentioned earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous 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, leave the building and call your gas company or emergency services straight away.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Fish
When 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 is conducive to 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 create a smell like dirty feet.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material caught inside the air conditioning system. This often can take place if an animal such as a mouse or bird is trapped inside the unit and dies.
To correct the issue, it’s worthwhile to have a professional inspect and clean your air conditioning system. They will be able to find the source of the smell and take the proper steps to remove any contaminants and stop the problem from recurring.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Vinegar
There could be multiple reasons an air conditioner smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a plugged air filter. Another likely cause of the smell might be a refrigerant leak. Sometimes after the refrigerant leaks, it can make a chemical odor that is described as smelling of vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s beneficial 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 identify and repair any underlying issues with your air conditioning. Or, the mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning needs to be replaced.
If you are looking to upgrade, Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces can help locate the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We offer dependable, skilled air conditioner installation in Alliance.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is emitting out of your air conditioning equipment, it could be due to 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.
An additional possible reason for the smell could be something wrong 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 think your system has a refrigerant leak or an electrical issue, 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 hazardous and may require immediate attention to prevent injury or damage to your residence.
A Nasty Odor Coming from Your AC? Contact the Experts at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces
If your air conditioner stinks and you aren’t able to fix it easily on your own, reach out to the cooling specialists at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of cooling systems. Our crew has fixed a multitude of air conditioning concerns through the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Alliance!