When your air conditioner starts emitting strange or unappealing aromas, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a major problem. Dismissing unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner can lead to additional damage to your AC or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the smell, the culprit 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 even indicative of an unsafe problem, including a natural gas leak.
At May's Heating & Air, 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 specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned our reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Frederick.
What does a specific odor wafting from your air conditioning mean? Here are some typical air conditioner smells and what they might mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it might 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 conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a foul odor that is often described as smelling like feet.
Another likely reason for the stench of dirty feet might be a dirty air filter. When your HVAC system's air filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust and other contaminants, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that bears a resemblance to feet.
To fix this problem, 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 ensure good air quality and prevent the development of bacteria and fungus.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning unit reeks of rotten eggs, it may be caused by 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 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, get everyone out of the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
Your AC Smells Like Mildew
If your AC emits a smell like mildew, it might be due to a accumulation of moisture inside the unit. When moisture collects inside a cooling system, it can foster the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty stench that it similar to mildew.
Another possible explanation for the smell might be a soiled air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Annual air conditioning maintenance from May's Heating & Air can help avoid both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a terrific way to keep your system operating at its best!
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Urine
One of the most unpleasant situations is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioning equipment smells like urine, it could could be caused by multiple factors. One potential cause is a accumulation of bacteria or mold in the your HVAC. This can happen in the event that moisture accumulates in the system and creates a moist environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. The bacteria can create a foul odor that some people describe as smelling like urine.
Another potential cause of the smell could be a blocked drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away effectively, but if the drain line becomes choked with debris, it can cause water to back up and build up 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, this could indicate an electrical concern with the unit. After some time, the electrical parts in the air conditioning system can wear out or break, which can create a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a foreign object lodged in the the air conditioner. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and emit a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you notice something that smells like burning plastic coming from your AC unit, it’s worthwhile to call a professional right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioning smells like gas, it could be due to a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a distinctive aroma, often described as smelling similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because this scent is incorporated into natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As we said earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous 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, evacuate the building and contact your gas company or emergency services as soon as possible.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Fish
If 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 foul odor that can be described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can create a smell like dirty feet.
Another potential cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material stuck 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 important to have a professional examine and clean your HVAC system. They should be able to identify the source of the smell and take the proper steps to remove any contaminants and prevent the problem from recurring.
Your AC Smells Like Vinegar
There could be several reasons your air conditioner smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a clogged air filter. A second possible cause of the smell might be a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can make a chemical odor that resembles vinegar.
To fix the issue, it's beneficial to have a skilled mechanic inspect and clean your air conditioning. If the odor continues after the cleaning and exchanging 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 wanting to upgrade, May's Heating & Air can help select the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide reliable, professional air conditioner installation in Frederick.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioning equipment, it could be caused by 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.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a problem with the electrical wiring or elements inside the air conditioning system. This can result in a burning smell that it similar to 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 immediately and contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be dangerous and may require immediate attention to protect against injury or damage to your house.
Weird Smells Coming from the Air Conditioning? Call the Pros at May's Heating & Air
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 May's Heating & Air. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of HVAC systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning concerns through the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Frederick!