7 Different AC Smells
When the air conditioner is clean and operating properly, the air inside your home should feel fresh. You should not be smelling anything weird. Any kind of strange smell should be considered a warning sign of an impending problem. While some smells are a small problem, others may require you to call an AC repair technician.
Dirty socks smell
If your home is smelling nasty like dirty socks and you cannot seem to find a source, it could be due to dirty evaporator coils. Over time, the evaporator coils tend to develop microbial growth, which can make your whole house smell bad. Thankfully, you can get rid of this smell just by cleaning your evaporator coils. It is best to leave the job to a professional as they can do the job thoroughly and effectively.
Exhaust fumes
It is not abnormal to smell exhaust fumes when you switch on your air conditioner after months. This smell is a result of dust and debris burning the air conditioner’s filter. In case the smell lingers even after the air conditioner has been running for a while, it could be a cause of concern. This could mean that chemicals might be leaking into the motor, evaporator coils, or some other part of the system. If the AC smells like fumes you should immediately have the system checked by a professional.
When AC Smells Like Rotten egg
If your air conditioner is powered by gas, a rotten egg smell could indicate a gas leak. It is a serious problem and should be addressed with urgency. Inhaling toxic fumes can cause serious health problems and prolonged exposure can prove fatal. The moment you notice this smell, you should immediately evacuate everyone from your home and call the fire department. Do not turn your air conditioning system back on unless it has been repaired.
There are other reasons why your AC smells like a rotten egg. For example, there might be a decaying animal in the duct system of your house.
Musty
If your home smells musty and moldy, it is an indication that you need to get your air conditioner clean. Over time, water can accumulate the ducts or drain pan and allow mold growth. If the musty odor is accompanied by water dripping down the wall from the air conditioner, it is a sign of a leakage. This smell could also be due to dirty air filters. Most of these problems can be easily addressed by an air conditioner repair technician.
Gun powder
A burning smell resembling gun powder can be a result of your air conditioner circuit board or motor shorting out. This issue can only be fixed by a professional.
Chemicals
If you turn on the air conditioner and you smell chemicals, it is not a good sign. A sweet chemical smell indicates a refrigerant leak. When there is a refrigerant leak, you will also hear bubbling or hissing sounds and you may see ice crystals on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines.
Vinegar
A pungent, vinegar-like smell could be a result of a dirty filter, moldy ductwork, excessive condensation, or a clogged drain line or condensate pan. So, start with checking the air filter and if it is dirty, you must change it right away. If it doesn’t help, call a technician.
The purpose of an air conditioner is to keep you cool and comfortable inside your home. You shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. The best way to keep your AC from smelling bad is scheduled preventive maintenance. If your AC smells bad, give us a call and our team will diagnose the problem and take care of it.