When your air conditioner starts emitting unusual or gross odors, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Disregarding unpleasant smells coming from your cooling system can lead to serious damage to your AC or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the smell, the root of the problem might be bacteria or fungus in the system. On the other hand, it could also indicate something mechanically wrong with the AC. Some smells are a warning of a hazardous situation, such as a natural gas leak.
At Ambience HVAC, Inc., we are skilled at diagnosing and fixing these type of problems. If you smell something odd coming from your cooling system, chances are our team of qualified professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned the reputation as the go-to team for air conditioning repair in Wilmington.
What does a certain smell billowing out of your cooling system mean? Here are several typical air conditioner smells and what they might mean:
The Air Conditioning 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 builds inside the unit, it can create an environment that is conducive to the development of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a bad odor that is often described as smelling like dirty feet.
Another possible explanation for the stench of dirty feet might be a dirty air filter. If an air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other contaminants, it can result in substandard air quality and a musty smell that bears a resemblance to feet.
To fix 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 provide good air quality and protect against the development of bacteria and fungus.
Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning equipment stinks 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, which is because of a substance added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak is a situation that 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 air out the area, get everyone out of the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Mildew
If your cooling system smells like mildew, it may be due to a collection of moisture inside the unit. When moisture collects inside a cooling system, it can promote the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty smell that bears a resemblance to mildew.
Another possible explanation for the smell could be a clogged 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 Ambience HVAC, Inc. can help prevent both of these situations, 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 unpleasant situations is when an air conditioner smells like urine.
If your air conditioning equipment stinks like urine, it could be due to a variety of factors. 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 produce a foul odor that it similar to urine.
Another feasible cause of the scent of urine could be a blocked drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away correctly, but if the drain line becomes filled with debris, it can cause water to back up and accumulate inside the unit. This can generate a musty smell that is sometimes described as smelling of urine.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning unit smells like burning plastic, a possible cause could be an electrical concern with the unit. Over time, the electrical elements in the air conditioning system can wear out or bust, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible reason for the smell could be a foreign object lodged in the unit. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and result in a smell like burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s essential to phone a professional right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas
If your AC smells like gas, it could be because of a natural gas leak in the unit or in your home. Natural gas has a distinct odor, often described as smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because this scent is incorporated into natural gas to make sure that it is easily detectable.
As stated earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY harmful and needs immediate attention. When 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 call your gas company or emergency services as soon as possible.
Your AC Smells Like Fish
When your AC smell like fish, it could be due to 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 strong odor that can be 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 inside the air conditioning system. This often is possible if an animal such as a mouse or bird becomes trapped inside the unit and dies.
To correct the issue, it's important to have a professional examine and clean your HVAC system. They will be able to identify 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 numerous reasons a home's AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause is a clogged air filter. A second possible cause of the smell could be a refrigerant leak. Sometimes after the refrigerant leaks, it can make a chemical odor that resembles vinegar.
To fix the issue, it's important to have a skilled tech examine and clean your air conditioning. If the odor continues after the cleaning and replacing 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 mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning should be replaced.
If you are looking to upgrade, Ambience HVAC, Inc. can help find the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide reliable, professional air conditioner installation in Wilmington.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming from your air conditioner, it could be the result of a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that people sometimes describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
Another possible reason for the smell could be an issue with the electrical wiring or elements inside the air conditioning system. This can cause a burning smell that resembles chemicals or burning plastic.
If you think your system has a refrigerant leak or an electrical concern, it's important to turn 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 avoid injury or damage to your residence.
Strange Smell Coming from the Air Conditioning? Call the Pros at Ambience HVAC, Inc.
If your air conditioner smells nasty and you aren’t able to fix it simply on your own, contact the cooling specialists at Ambience HVAC, Inc.. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of HVAC systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning troubles over the years—including strange smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Wilmington!