When your air conditioner starts putting out unusual or gross aromas, it is a good idea to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Dismissing unpleasant smells coming from your cooling system may 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 culprit may be bacteria or fungus in the system. Other times, it could also indicate something mechanically wrong with the AC. Some smells are even indicative of a harmful problem, like a natural gas leak.
At Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning, we are skilled at diagnosing and fixing these type of problems. If you smell something weird coming from your cooling system, there’s a good chance our team of talented specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned the reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Wyandotte.
What does a certain smell wafting coming from your cooling system mean? Here are a few frequent air conditioner odors and what they could mean:
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it might be due to a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the system. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can produce 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 dirty feet.
Another likely reason for the stench of dirty feet could be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other debris, it can cause low 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 change the air filter on a regular basis to promote good air quality and protect against the formation of bacteria and fungus.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning equipment 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 distinct odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur, which is added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak can be extremely 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, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
Your AC Smells Like Mildew
If your AC is giving off an odor like mildew, it may be due to a accumulation of moisture inside the unit. When moisture accumulates inside an air conditioner, it can foster the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty stench that resembles mildew.
Another possible reason for the smell might be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Regular air conditioning maintenance from Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning can help prevent both of these problems, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a great way to keep your system working at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most undesirable things is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioning equipment stinks like urine, it could could be caused by multiple factors. One potential cause is a collection of bacteria or mold in the your HVAC. This can happen if moisture accumulates in the system and creates a moist environment that can promote bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that some people describe as smelling like urine.
Another potential cause of the stink could be a clogged drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away effectively, but if the drain line becomes stopped up by debris, it can cause water to back up and accumulate 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 air conditioner smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical issue with the unit. After some time, the electrical components in the air conditioning system can wear out or malfunction, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible reason for the smell could be a foreign object lodged in the unit. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can get hot and result in a smell that reminds people of burning plastic.
If you smell burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s important to contact a professional right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioning smells like gas, it could be because of a natural gas leak in the unit or in another part of your home. Natural gas has a recognizable odor, often described as smelling similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is incorporated into natural gas to make sure that it is easily detectable.
As mentioned earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY dangerous and needs immediate attention. When 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 contact your gas company or emergency services straight away.
Your AC Smells Like Fish
Should your air conditioner smell like fish, it could be due to a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture creates an environment that fosters the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a foul odor that is often described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can create a smell like dirty feet.
Another potential cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material stuck inside 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 fix the issue, it’s worthwhile to have a professional examine and clean your cooling system. They should be able to identify the source of the smell and take the correct steps to remove any contaminants and stop the problem from recurring.
Your AC Smells Like Vinegar
There could be several reasons an AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause is a plugged air filter. Another possible cause of the smell could be a refrigerant leak. Sometimes after the refrigerant leaks, it can make a chemical odor that is described as smelling of vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s essential to have a skilled tech inspect 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 find and repair any hidden issues with your air conditioning. Or, they can tell you if your air conditioning needs to be replaced.
If you are looking to upgrade, Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning can help select the ideal unit to fit your home’s needs. We deliver reliable, professional air conditioner installation in Wyandotte.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioning equipment, it could be the result of a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical scent that some people describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
An additional possible reason for the smell could be problems with the electrical wiring or hardware inside the air conditioning system. This can cause a burning smell that resembles chemicals or burning plastic.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak or an electrical concern, 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 hazardous and may require immediate attention to avoid injury or damage to your residence.
Strange Smell Coming from the Air Conditioning? Call the Pros at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning
If your air conditioner smells nasty and you aren’t able to fix it simply on your own, call the cooling specialists at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. We have plenty of experience working with a wide variety of AC 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 Wyandotte!
