When your air conditioner starts emitting unusual or unappealing smells, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a significant problem. Disregarding unpleasant smells coming from your cooling system may lead to additional damage to your AC or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on what you're smelling, the root of the problem could be bacteria or fungus in the system. Other times, it could also signal something mechanically wrong with the AC. Some smells are a sign of a dangerous scenario, such as a natural gas leak.
At Air Temperature Control, 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 qualified specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned a reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Macon.
What does a certain smell billowing out of your AC mean? Here are several frequent air conditioner aromas and what they could mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it may be caused by a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the system. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can create an environment that is beneficial to the development of bacteria and fungus. This can produce a foul odor that is often described as smelling like dirty feet.
Another likely reason for the stench of dirty feet could be a dirty air filter. If an air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other particles, it can lead to low air quality and a musty smell that resembles feet.
To solve this issue, 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 replace the air filter regularly to promote good air quality and restrict the development of bacteria and fungus.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your stinks like rotten eggs, it could be due to a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a unique 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 very 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, make everyone leave the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
Your AC Smells Like Mildew
If your AC is giving off an odor like mildew, it may be due to a collection of moisture inside the unit. When moisture forms inside a cooling system, it can cultivate the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty stench that it similar to mildew.
Another possible reason for 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 is similar to mildew.
Routine air conditioning maintenance from Air Temperature Control can help prevent both of these situations, 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 distressing things is when an air conditioner smells like urine.
If your air conditioning equipment smells like urine, it could be due to a variety of 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 create a foul odor that it similar to urine.
Another feasible cause of the scent of urine 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 choked with debris, it can cause water to back up and collect inside the unit. This can produce a musty smell that is sometimes described as smelling of urine.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your AC smells like burning plastic, a possible cause could be an electrical issue with the unit. After some time, the electrical components in the air conditioning system can wear out or break, which can create a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible reason for the smell could be a foreign object that somehow got in the unit. If something foreign gets trapped in the air conditioning system, it can become hot and result in a smell like burning plastic.
If you notice something that smells like burning plastic coming from your AC unit, it’s worthwhile to phone 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 your home. Natural gas has a distinctive aroma, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because a smell is put into natural gas to make sure that it is easily detectable.
As stated earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY dangerous 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, get everyone out of the building and call your gas company or emergency services straight 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 plausible explanation for the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material stuck within 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 important to have a professional examine and clean your cooling system. They can identify 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 numerous reasons a home's air conditioner smells like vinegar. One possible cause of the smell could be a dirty air filter. One other possible cause of the smell may be a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can make a chemical odor that resembles vinegar.
To fix the issue, it's essential to have a skilled tech look at and clean your air conditioning. If the odor lingers after the cleaning and replacing of the air filter, it's best to reach back out to a professional to find and repair any persistent issues with your air conditioning. Or, the tech can tell you if your air conditioning should be replaced.
If you are wanting to upgrade, Air Temperature Control can help locate the right unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide reliable, professional air conditioner installation in Macon.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioning unit, it could be caused by 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.
One other possible source of the smell could be problems with the electrical wiring or elements inside the air conditioning system. This can produce a burning smell that it similar to chemicals or burning plastic.
If you believe there is a refrigerant leak or an electrical concern, it's important to shut off your air conditioning system as soon as possible and contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be harmful and may require immediate attention to avoid injury or damage to your residence.
Weird Smells Coming from Your Cooling? Call the Pros at Air Temperature Control
If your air conditioner stinks and you aren’t able to fix it smoothly on your own, contact the cooling experts at Air Temperature Control. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of cooling systems. Our crew has fixed many air conditioning concerns over the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Macon!