When your air conditioner starts spewing odd or gross smells, it is a good idea to take notice because it could be a sign of a major problem. Dismissing unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioning can lead to serious damage to your air conditioning 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 air conditioner. Some smells are a sign of a hazardous problem, such as a natural gas leak.
At A2Z Air Inc, we are experienced at getting to the root cause of stinky smells. If you smell something odd coming from your air conditioner, chances are our team of skilled specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned a reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Boynton Beach.
What does a specific odor wafting from your air conditioning mean? Here are a few frequent air conditioner odors and what they might 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 inside of it. When moisture builds inside the unit, it can create an environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungus. This can cause a bad odor that is often described as smelling like dirty feet.
Another likely reason for the stench of dirty feet may be a dirty air filter. When your HVAC system's air filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust and other debris, it can lead to substandard air quality and a musty smell that resembles feet.
To fix this unpleasant situation, it's important to have a quality service tech 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 routinely to ensure good air quality and restrict the formation of bacteria and fungus.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs, it might 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, which 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, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew
If your air conditioner smells like mildew, it could be due to a buildup 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 cause of the smell may be a soiled air filter. Once the air filter becomes clogged, it can lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Regular air conditioning maintenance from A2Z Air Inc can help prevent both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a great way to keep your system operating at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most unpleasant situations is when the air coming out of your HVAC system smells like urine.
If your air conditioning equipment smells like urine, it could be traced back to a number of things. One likely cause is a buildup of bacteria or mold in the your cooling system. This can happen if moisture accumulates in the system and creates a damp environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that it similar to urine.
Another possible cause of the scent of urine could be a blocked 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 create a musty smell that resembles urine.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning unit smells like burning plastic, a possible cause could be an electrical issue with the unit. Over time, the electrical parts in the air conditioning system can wear out or bust, which can create a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a foreign object lodged in the HVAC system. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and cause a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s important to call a professional right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner smells like gas, it could be due to a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a distinctive aroma, often described as smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because a smell is added to natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As mentioned earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY harmful and needs immediate attention. Should you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, open windows and doors to air out the home, evacuate the building and phone your gas company or emergency services right away.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Fish
When your air conditioner smell like fish, you may have a situation where there's a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture causes 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 possible 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 gets trapped inside the unit and dies.
To correct the issue, it's worthwhile to have a professional inspect and clean your HVAC system. They will be able to find 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 numerous reasons your air conditioner smells like vinegar. One possible cause of the smell could be a clogged air filter. A second likely cause of the smell could be a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that is similar to vinegar.
To fix the issue, it's essential to have a skilled specialist 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 diagnose and repair any hidden issues with your air conditioning. Or, the mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning needs to be replaced.
If you are wanting to upgrade, A2Z Air Inc can help find the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide dependable, professional air conditioner installation in Boynton Beach.
Your AC Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioning equipment, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that is often described as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
An additional possible source of the smell could be an issue with the electrical wiring or components inside the air conditioning system. This can cause a burning smell that is like chemicals or burning plastic.
If you believe there is 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 dangerous and may require immediate attention to protect against injury or damage to your house.
Weird Smells Coming from Your Cooling? Call the Pros at A2Z Air Inc
If your air conditioner reeks and you aren’t able to fix it smoothly on your own, contact the cooling experts at A2Z Air Inc. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of cooling systems. Our crew has fixed many air conditioning problems over the years—including strange smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Boynton Beach!
