When your air conditioner starts spewing odd or funky odors, it is important to take notice because it could be a sign of a major problem. Disregarding unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner may lead to additional damage to your HVAC system or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the smell, the root of the problem might be bacteria or fungus in the system. On the other hand, it could also sign something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are a sign of a harmful situation, like a natural gas leak.
At Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., we have a nose for these sorts of things. If you smell something odd coming from your AC, there’s a good chance our team of talented specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned a reputation as the premier company for air conditioning repair in Rio Grande Valley.
What does a specific odor coming coming from your air conditioning mean? Here are a few common air conditioner aromas and what they might mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it might be due to a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the unit. When moisture accumulates inside the unit, it can create an environment that is favorable to the development of bacteria and fungus. This can cause a foul odor that is often described as smelling like feet.
Another potential cause of the smell could be a dirty air filter. If an air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other contaminants, it can lead to substandard air quality and a musty smell that it similar to the smell of feet.
To solve this dilemma, 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 regularly to provide good air quality and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your smells like rotten eggs, it might be caused by a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a unique odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur, that is added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak is extremely dangerous and requires immediate attention. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, immediately open windows and doors to allow gas to escape the area, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Mildew
If your AC emits a smell like mildew, it might be due to a buildup of moisture inside the unit. When moisture forms inside a cooling system, it can foster the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Another possible reason for 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 is similar to mildew.
Routine air conditioning maintenance from Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. can help protect against both of these situations, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a very good way to keep your system operating at its best!
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Urine
One of the most undesirable situations is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioner reeks of urine, it could could be caused by multiple factors. One likely cause is a collection of bacteria or mold in the your HVAC. This can happen when moisture accumulates in the system and creates a damp environment that can promote bacterial growth. The bacteria can create a foul odor that resembles urine.
Another possible 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 clogged with debris, it can cause water to back up and build up inside the unit. This can produce a musty smell that resembles urine.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioner smells like burning plastic, this could indicate an electrical concern with the unit. Over time, the electrical components in the air conditioning system can wear out or malfunction, which can produce a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a foreign object stuck in the the air conditioner. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can become hot and cause a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s worthwhile to contact a professional right away.
Your AC Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioning smells like gas, it could be due to a natural gas leak in the unit or in another part of your home. Natural gas has a distinctive smell, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is incorporated into natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As we said before, 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, get everyone out of the building and phone your gas company or emergency services as soon as possible.
Your AC Smells Like Fish
Should your AC 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 is conducive to 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 cause 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 is possible 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 HVAC system. They will be able to determine the source of the smell and take the proper steps to remove any contaminants and prevent the problem from recurring.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Vinegar
There could be multiple reasons your air conditioning system smells like vinegar. One possible cause of the smell could be a dirty air filter. Another likely cause of the smell could be a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can make a chemical odor that is similar to vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s important to have a skilled tech examine and clean your air conditioning. If the odor persists after the cleaning and replacing of the air filter, it’s best to reach back out to a professional to diagnose and repair any persistent issues with your air conditioning. Or, they can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are planning to upgrade, Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. can help find the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We deliver reliable, expert air conditioner installation in Rio Grande Valley.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming from your air conditioner, it could be caused by a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical scent that is often described as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
One other possible cause of the smell could be an issue with the electrical wiring or elements 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 issue, it’s important to turn off your air conditioning system as soon as possible and contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be hazardous and may require immediate attention to prevent injury or damage to your house.
A Nasty Odor Coming from Your Cooling? Contact the Experts at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.
If your air conditioner stinks and you aren’t able to fix it quickly on your own, contact the cooling experts at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. We have plenty of experience working with a wide variety of AC systems. Our crew has fixed a multitude of air conditioning concerns through the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Rio Grande Valley!