When your air conditioner starts spewing unusual or gross aromas, it is important to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Disregarding unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioning can lead to additional damage to your air conditioning or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on what you’re smelling, the culprit might be bacteria or fungus in the system. Other times, it could also sign something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are even indicative of an unsafe situation, like a natural gas leak.
At Lanz Furnace and Fireplace, we are experienced at getting to the root cause of stinky smells. If you smell something weird coming from your air conditioner, there’s a good chance our team of qualified professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned our reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Monroe.
What does a specific odor coming coming from your air conditioning mean? Here are some common air conditioner smells and what they could mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it can be because of a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the system. When moisture accumulates inside the unit, it can create an environment that is beneficial to the spread of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a nasty odor that is often described as smelling like stinky feet.
Another likely explanation for the stench of dirty feet could be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes filled 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 dilemma, 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 on a regular basis to provide good air quality and protect against the development of bacteria and fungus.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your reeks of rotten eggs, it could be due to 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, that is added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak can be extraordinarily dangerous and requires immediate attention. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, immediately open windows and doors to air out the area, make everyone leave the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
Your AC Smells Like Mildew
If your cooling system is giving off an odor like mildew, it might be due to a accumulation of moisture inside the unit. When moisture accumulates inside an air conditioner, it can cultivate the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty stench that resembles mildew.
Another possible explanation for the smell may be a soiled air filter. If 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 Lanz Furnace and Fireplace can help protect against both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a terrific way to keep your system operating at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most unpleasant things is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioner stinks like urine, it could be traced back to a number of things. One possible cause is a buildup of bacteria or mold in the air conditioning system. This can happen when moisture accumulates in the system and creates a moist environment that can promote bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that resembles urine.
Another potential cause of the stink 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 clogged with debris, it can cause water to back up and collect inside the unit. This can create a musty smell that resembles urine.
Your AC Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your AC smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical problem with the unit. Over time, the electrical parts in the air conditioning system can wear out or bust, which can produce a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible root cause of the smell could be a foreign object that somehow got in the HVAC system. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and result in a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s essential to call 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 like rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is put into natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As mentioned previously, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous and requires immediate attention. When you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, open windows and doors to air out the home, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Fish
Should your air conditioning equipment smell like fish, this could be a sign of 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 foul odor that can be described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can result in a smell like dirty feet.
Another potential cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material caught inside the air conditioning system. This often can take place if an animal such as a mouse or bird becomes trapped inside the unit and dies.
To fix the issue, it’s worthwhile to have a professional inspect and clean your HVAC system. They should be able to find the source of the smell and take the correct steps to remove any contaminants and keep the problem from recurring.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
There could be several reasons a home’s air conditioning system 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 specialist examine 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 diagnose and repair any hidden issues with your air conditioning. Or, the mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are looking to upgrade, Lanz Furnace and Fireplace can help find the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide dependable, skilled air conditioner installation in Monroe.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is emitting out of your air conditioning unit, it could be caused by a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that people sometimes describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
One other possible source of the smell could be something wrong with the electrical wiring or hardware inside the air conditioning system. This can result in a burning smell that is like chemicals or burning plastic.
If you think your system has a refrigerant leak or an electrical issue, it’s important to shut down 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 residence.
Weird Smells Coming from Your AC? Call the Pros at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace
If your air conditioner reeks and you aren’t able to fix it smoothly on your own, reach out to the cooling specialists at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of HVAC systems. Our crew has fixed many air conditioning problems through the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Monroe!
