When your air conditioner starts spewing weird or gross smells, it is a good idea to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Ignoring unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner could lead to additional damage to your HVAC system or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the cause of the odor, the cause might be bacteria or fungus in the system. In other cases, it could also signal something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are even indicative of a hazardous problem, like a natural gas leak.
At A2Z Air Inc, we are skilled at diagnosing and fixing these type of problems. If you smell something peculiar coming from your AC, you can bet that 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 Boynton Beach.
What does a specific odor billowing out of your cooling system mean? Here are several typical air conditioner smells and what they might mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it could be because of a buildup of bacteria or fungus inside of it. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can create an environment that is conducive to the spread of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a foul odor that is often described as smelling like stinky feet.
Another possible explanation for an odor of stinky feet might be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes choked with dirt, dust and other debris, it can result in poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles feet.
To solve this problem, 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 change the air filter routinely to promote good air quality and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.
Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning equipment reeks of rotten eggs, it might 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 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.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Mildew
If your AC is giving off an odor like mildew, it could be due to a collection of moisture inside the unit. When moisture accumulates inside the air conditioning system, it can cultivate the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty odor that bears a resemblance to mildew.
Another possible explanation for the smell could be a dirty air filter. Once the air filter becomes clogged, it can result in poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Regular air conditioning maintenance from A2Z Air Inc can help prevent both of these problems, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a very good way to keep your system working at its best!
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Urine
One of the most unpleasant scenarios is when the air coming out of your HVAC system smells like urine.
If your air conditioning smells like urine, it could be due to a variety of factors. One potential cause is a accumulation of bacteria or mold in the air conditioning system. This can happen in the event that moisture accumulates in the system and creates a wet environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can emit a foul odor that is like urine.
Another potential cause of the smell 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 stopped up by debris, it can cause water to back up and collect inside the unit. This can generate a musty smell that resembles urine.
Your AC Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioner smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical concern with the unit. Over time, the electrical components in the air conditioning system can wear out or bust, which can produce a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible 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 cause a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you smell burning plastic coming from your AC unit, it’s essential to phone 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 odor, often described as smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because this scent is added to natural gas to make it easily detectable.
As stated previously, a natural gas leak can be VERY dangerous 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, get everyone out of the building and phone your gas company or emergency services straight away.
Your AC Smells Like Fish
If your air conditioning equipment smell like fish, it could be due to a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture produces an environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a foul odor that is sometimes 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 happen if an animal such as a mouse or bird becomes trapped inside the unit and dies.
To fix the issue, it’s often necessary to have a professional examine and clean your HVAC system. They should be able to identify the source of the smell and take the proper steps to remove any contaminants and prevent the problem from recurring.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
There could be numerous reasons an air conditioning system smells like vinegar. One possible cause is a plugged air filter. One other possible cause of the smell could be a refrigerant leak. Sometimes after the refrigerant leaks, it can make a chemical odor that resembles vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s essential to have a skilled tech examine and clean your air conditioning. If the odor lingers after the cleaning and exchanging the air filter, it’s best to reach back out to a professional to identify and repair any hidden issues with your air conditioning. Or, they can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are planning to upgrade, A2Z Air Inc can help find the ideal unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide reliable, expert air conditioner installation in Boynton Beach.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioning equipment, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. In a situation where the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that is often described 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 components inside the air conditioning system. This can result in a burning smell that is like chemicals or burning plastic.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak or an electrical problem, it’s important to turn off your air conditioning system immediately 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 residence.
Strange Smell Coming from the Air Conditioning? Contact the Experts at A2Z Air Inc
If your air conditioner smells nasty and you aren’t able to fix it smoothly on your own, contact the cooling specialists at A2Z Air Inc. We have plenty of experience working with a wide variety of cooling systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning problems throughout the years—including strange smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Boynton Beach!
