When your air conditioner starts spewing strange or funky odors, it is a good idea to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Disregarding unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioning can lead to further damage to your air conditioning 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 sign something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are even indicative of a harmful situation, including a natural gas leak.
At Anderson Heating & A/C, we have a nose for these sorts of things. If you smell something odd coming from your AC, you can bet that our team of skilled professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned the reputation as the premier company for air conditioning repair in Carson City.
What does a specific odor billowing out of your AC mean? Here are some frequent air conditioner aromas and what they may 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 system. When moisture accumulates inside the unit, it can establish an environment that is conducive to the spread of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a foul odor that is often described as smelling like stinky feet.
Another likely reason for the smell may 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 solve this unpleasant situation, 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 replace the air filter routinely to ensure good air quality and prevent the formation of bacteria and fungus.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning unit smells 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 extraordinarily 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, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services at once.
Your AC Smells Like Mildew
If your AC smells like mildew, it could be due to a accumulation of moisture inside the unit. When moisture forms inside a cooling system, it can foster the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty smell that bears a resemblance to mildew.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a soiled air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that has a resemblance to mildew.
Routine air conditioning maintenance from Anderson Heating & A/C can help prevent both of these problems, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a terrific way to keep your system working at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most undesirable scenarios is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioning stinks like urine, it could be due to a variety of factors. One likely cause is a buildup of bacteria or mold in the air conditioning system. This can happen if moisture accumulates in the system and creates a damp environment that can promote bacterial growth. The bacteria can emit a foul odor that is like urine.
Another feasible cause of the scent of urine could be a plugged 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 accumulate inside the unit. This can produce a musty smell that resembles urine.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning system smells like burning plastic, this could indicate an electrical concern with the unit. After a while, the electrical components in the air conditioning system can wear out or malfunction, which can produce a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible root cause of the smell could be a foreign object stuck in the the air conditioner. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can get hot and cause a smell like burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s important to call a professional right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner 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 an odor is added to natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As we said previously, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous and calls for immediate attention. Should 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 phone your gas company or emergency services right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Fish
Should your AC smell like fish, you may have a situation where there’s 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 plausible explanation for the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material trapped 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 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 multiple reasons your air conditioning system smells like vinegar. One possible cause of the smell could be a clogged air filter. Another potential cause of the smell may be a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that is described as smelling of vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s essential to have a skilled tech inspect and clean your air conditioning. If the odor persists after the cleaning and exchanging the air filter, it’s best to reach back out to a professional to diagnose 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 looking to upgrade, Anderson Heating & A/C can help select the ideal unit to fit your home’s needs. We offer trustworthy, professional air conditioner installation in Carson City.
Your AC Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is emitting out of your air conditioning equipment, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. In a situation where the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that people sometimes describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
An additional possible cause of the smell could be something wrong 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 think your system has a refrigerant leak or an electrical concern, it’s important to shut down your air conditioning system right away and contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be dangerous and may require immediate attention to avoid injury or damage to your house.
Weird Smells Coming from Your Cooling? Contact the Experts at Anderson Heating & A/C
If your air conditioner smells nasty and you aren’t able to fix it simply on your own, reach out to the cooling specialists at Anderson Heating & A/C. We have plenty of experience working with a wide variety of air conditioning systems. Our crew has fixed many air conditioning problems throughout the years—including weird smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Carson City!