When your air conditioner starts emitting odd or gross aromas, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Disregarding unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioning may lead to serious 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 indicate something mechanically wrong with the AC. Some smells are a sign of a hazardous scenario, including a natural gas leak.
At Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC, we are skilled at diagnosing and fixing these type of problems. If you smell something weird coming from your cooling system, you can bet that our team of qualified professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned the reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Smyrna.
What does a specific odor coming out of your cooling system mean? Here are several typical air conditioner smells and what they may mean:
The Air Conditioning 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 builds inside the unit, it can produce an environment that is beneficial to the development of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a bad odor that is often described as smelling like dirty feet.
Another likely explanation for an odor of stinky feet could be a dirty air filter. When your HVAC system’s air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other particles, it can lead to substandard air quality and a musty smell that it similar to the smell of 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 exchange the air filter regularly to ensure good air quality and restrict the development of bacteria and fungus.
Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning unit stinks like rotten eggs, it could be caused by a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a distinctive 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 extraordinarily 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, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services at once.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew
If your air conditioner emits a smell like mildew, it may be due to a collection of moisture inside the unit. When moisture accumulates 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 explanation for the smell could be a clogged air filter. Once the air filter becomes clogged, it can result in poor air quality and a musty smell that has a resemblance to mildew.
Routine air conditioning maintenance from Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC can help prevent both of these situations, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a terrific way to keep your system operating at its best!
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Urine
One of the most distressing things is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioning equipment smells like urine, it could be traced back to a number of things. One potential cause is a buildup of bacteria or mold in the your HVAC. This can happen when moisture accumulates in the system and creates a wet environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that resembles urine.
Another potential 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 properly, 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 can stink like urine.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioner smells like burning plastic, a possible cause could be an electrical problem with the unit. Over 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 stuck in the HVAC system. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can become hot and result in a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you smell burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s worthwhile to contact a professional right away.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas
If your AC smells like gas, it could be due to a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a recognizable aroma, often described as smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because this scent is added to natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As we said previously, 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.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Fish
When your air conditioner 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 strong odor that is sometimes 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 trapped within 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 worthwhile to have a professional examine and clean your HVAC system. They will be able to identify the source of the smell and take the appropriate steps to remove any contaminants and keep the problem from recurring.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
There could be multiple reasons an AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a clogged air filter. Another potential 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 beneficial to have a skilled specialist examine and clean your air conditioning. If the odor continues 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, the tech can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are looking to upgrade, Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC can help select the ideal unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide trustworthy, professional air conditioner installation in Smyrna.
Your AC Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming from your air conditioning equipment, it could be the result of a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical aroma that some people describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
One other possible reason for the smell could be something wrong with the electrical wiring or elements 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 turn off your air conditioning system right away and contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be hazardous and may require immediate attention to protect against injury or damage to your residence.
Weird Smells Coming from Your Cooling? Call the Pros at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC
If your air conditioner smells nasty and you aren’t able to fix it easily on your own, call the cooling specialists at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of AC systems. Our crew has fixed a multitude of air conditioning concerns throughout the years—including strange smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Smyrna!