When your air conditioner starts emitting odd or funky odors, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Ignoring unpleasant smells coming from your cooling system may lead to further damage to your air conditioning 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 air conditioning system. Some smells are even indicative of a harmful problem, like a natural gas leak.
At Bell Air Conditioning Inc, we are experienced at getting to the root cause of stinky smells. If you smell something odd coming from your AC, chances are our team of talented professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned the reputation as the go-to team for air conditioning repair in Temple/Belton .
What does a particular smell billowing coming from your AC mean? Here are several common air conditioner odors and what they may mean:
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it can be caused by a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the unit. When moisture builds inside the unit, it can create 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 cause of the smell could be a dirty air filter. If an air filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust and other debris, it can lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that bears a resemblance to feet.
To fix this problem, 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 regularly to promote good air quality and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.
The Air Conditioning 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 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 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 ventilate the area, get everyone out of the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Mildew
If your AC is giving off an odor like mildew, it might be due to a buildup 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 smell that resembles mildew.
Another possible reason 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 is similar to mildew.
Regular air conditioning maintenance from Bell Air Conditioning Inc can help protect against both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a very good way to keep your system operating at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most distressing things is when an air conditioner smells like urine.
If your air conditioner stinks like urine, it could be due to a variety of factors. One potential 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 favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can create a foul odor that is like urine.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a blocked 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 collect inside the unit. This can generate a musty smell that is sometimes described as smelling of urine.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your AC smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical concern with the unit. Over time, the electrical parts in the air conditioning system can wear out or bust, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible reason for the smell could be a foreign object stuck in the unit. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and result in a smell that reminds people of burning plastic.
If you notice something that smells like burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s worthwhile to contact a professional right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner smells like gas, there could be a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a distinctive smell, often described as smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is incorporated into natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As mentioned earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY dangerous and calls for immediate attention. If 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.
Your AC Smells Like Fish
If your air conditioning equipment 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 fosters 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 result in a smell like dirty feet.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material caught within the air conditioning system. This often is possible if an animal such as a mouse or bird becomes trapped inside the unit and dies.
To correct the issue, it's often necessary to have a professional examine and clean your air conditioning system. They can identify the source of the smell and take the proper steps to remove any contaminants and keep the problem from recurring.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
There could be numerous reasons your air conditioner smells like vinegar. One possible cause of the smell could be a plugged air filter. A second possible cause of the smell may be a refrigerant leak. Sometimes after the refrigerant leaks, it can generate a chemical odor that resembles vinegar.
To fix the issue, it's beneficial to have a skilled mechanic examine and clean your air conditioning. If the odor continues after the cleaning and changing of the air filter, it's best to reach back out to a professional to find and repair any hidden issues with your air conditioning. Or, the tech can tell you if your air conditioning should be replaced.
If you are planning to upgrade, Bell Air Conditioning Inc can help find the ideal unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide reliable, professional air conditioner installation in Temple/Belton .
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioner, it could be the result of 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.
Another possible cause of the smell could be an issue with the electrical wiring or hardware inside the air conditioning system. This can result in 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 shut 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.
A Nasty Odor Coming from Your AC? Call the Pros at Bell Air Conditioning Inc
If your air conditioner reeks and you aren’t able to fix it smoothly on your own, call the cooling experts at Bell Air Conditioning Inc. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of air conditioning systems. Our crew has fixed many air conditioning problems over the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Temple/Belton !