When your air conditioner starts putting out odd or funky aromas, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Dismissing unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner could lead to further damage to your HVAC system or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on what you're smelling, the root of the problem might be bacteria or fungus in the system. On the other hand, it could also sign something mechanically wrong with the AC. Some smells are a warning of a harmful problem, including a natural gas leak.
At Mayeuxs AC & Heating, we are experienced at getting to the root cause of stinky smells. If you smell something weird coming from your air conditioner, you can bet that our team of qualified professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned a reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Norco and surrounding parishes.
What does a particular smell wafting coming from your AC mean? Here are a few typical air conditioner smells and what they could mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it could be because of a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the system. When moisture builds inside the unit, it can produce an environment that is favorable to the growth of bacteria and fungus. This can cause a nasty odor that is often described as smelling like stinky feet.
Another potential explanation for an odor of stinky feet may be a dirty air filter. If an air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other debris, it can result in substandard air quality and a musty smell that resembles feet.
To correct this unpleasant situation, it's important to have a professional 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 provide good air quality and restrict the formation of bacteria and fungus.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning unit smells like rotten eggs, it may be because of 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 added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak 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, make everyone leave the building and call your gas company or emergency services at once.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew
If your AC smells like mildew, it might be due to a accumulation of moisture inside the unit. When moisture forms inside the air conditioning system, it can promote 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 clogged air filter. Once the air filter becomes clogged, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that is similar to mildew.
Routine air conditioning maintenance from Mayeuxs AC & Heating can help avoid 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!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most distressing situations is when the air coming out of your HVAC system smells like urine.
If your air conditioner stinks like urine, it could could be caused by multiple factors. One possible cause is a collection of bacteria or mold in the your HVAC. This can happen when moisture accumulates in the system and creates a moist environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. The bacteria can create a foul odor that it similar to urine.
Another feasible cause of the smell could be a clogged drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away properly, but if the drain line becomes filled with debris, it can cause water to back up and build up inside the unit. This can generate a musty smell that resembles urine.
Your AC Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your AC smells like burning plastic, a possible cause could be an electrical concern with the unit. After a while, the electrical components in the air conditioning system can wear out or break, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible cause of 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 cause a smell that reminds people of burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your AC unit, it’s essential to contact a professional right away.
Your AC 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 recognizable aroma, often described as smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is put into natural gas to make sure that it is easily detectable.
As mentioned earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY dangerous and requires immediate attention. Should you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, open windows and doors to air out the home, leave the building and contact your gas company or emergency services as soon as possible.
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 promotes the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a disgusting odor that can be described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can cause a smell like dirty feet.
Another potential cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material caught within the air conditioning system. This often can happen if an animal such as a mouse or bird is trapped inside the unit and dies.
To fix the issue, it's worthwhile to have a professional inspect and clean your cooling system. They can determine the source of the smell and take the proper steps to remove any contaminants and prevent the problem from recurring.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
There could be several reasons a home's air conditioner smells like vinegar. One possible cause is a plugged air filter. One other likely cause of the smell may be a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can make a chemical odor that is described as smelling of vinegar.
To fix the issue, it's important to have a skilled specialist inspect and clean your air conditioning. If the odor persists after the cleaning and replacing of the air filter, it's best to reach back out to a professional to diagnose and repair any persistent issues with your air conditioning. Or, they can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are planning to upgrade, Mayeuxs AC & Heating can help select the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide dependable, skilled air conditioner installation in Norco and surrounding parishes.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioner, it could be the result of a refrigerant leak. When 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 components inside the air conditioning system. This can cause a burning smell that resembles chemicals or burning plastic.
If you believe there is a refrigerant leak or an electrical issue, 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 harmful and may require immediate attention to prevent injury or damage to your house.
Weird Smells Coming from Your Cooling? Call the Pros at Mayeuxs AC & Heating
If your air conditioner reeks and you aren’t able to fix it quickly on your own, reach out to the cooling experts at Mayeuxs AC & Heating. We have years of experience working with a wide variety of cooling systems. Our crew has fixed a multitude of air conditioning troubles throughout the years—including weird smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Norco and surrounding parishes!
