When your air conditioner starts emitting unusual or unappealing aromas, it is a good idea to take notice because it could be a sign of a significant problem. Disregarding unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioning may lead to serious damage to your air conditioning or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the smell, the cause might be bacteria or fungus in the system. In other cases, it could also sign something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are even indicative of a harmful situation, such as a natural gas leak.
At Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., we have a nose for these sorts of things. If you smell something weird coming from your cooling system, chances are our team of skilled specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned the reputation as the go-to team for air conditioning repair in Rio Grande Valley.
What does a specific odor coming coming from your AC mean? Here are several common air conditioner smells and what they might mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it could be due to a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the unit. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can produce an environment that is conducive to the development of bacteria and fungus. This can produce a nasty odor that is often described as smelling like dirty feet.
Another possible cause of the smell might be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other particles, it can lead to substandard air quality and a musty smell that bears a resemblance to feet.
To fix 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 exchange the air filter regularly to promote good air quality and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.
Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning unit smells like rotten eggs, it might be because of 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 because of a substance added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak is 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.
My Air Conditioner 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 the air conditioning system, it can foster the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty stench that bears a resemblance to mildew.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a clogged air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles 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 terrific way to keep your system operating at its best!
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Urine
One of the most distressing scenarios is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioning smells like urine, it could could be caused by multiple factors. One potential cause is a buildup of bacteria or mold in the your HVAC. This can happen in the event that moisture accumulates in the system and creates a damp environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can create a foul odor that it similar to urine.
Another potential cause of the stink could be a plugged 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.
Your AC Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning system smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical issue with the unit. Over time, the electrical parts in the air conditioning system can wear out or malfunction, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible root cause of the smell could be a foreign object that somehow got in the HVAC system. If something foreign gets trapped in the air conditioning system, it can get hot and cause a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you notice something that smells like burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s important to contact 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 the surrounding area. Natural gas has a recognizable aroma, often described as smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is added to natural gas to make it easily detectable.
As stated previously, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous 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, evacuate the building and contact your gas company or emergency services straight away.
Your AC Smells Like Fish
When your air conditioner 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 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 within 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 solve the issue, it’s worthwhile to have a professional examine and clean your cooling system. They should be able to find the source of the smell and take the appropriate steps to remove any contaminants and stop the problem from recurring.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
There could be numerous reasons an air conditioner smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a plugged air filter. One other likely cause of the smell may be a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that resembles vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s important to have a skilled mechanic examine and clean your air conditioning. If the odor lingers after the cleaning and changing 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, the tech can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are wanting to upgrade, Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. can help find the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We offer trustworthy, professional air conditioner installation in Rio Grande Valley.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming from your air conditioning unit, it could be caused by a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical scent that people sometimes describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
One other possible cause of the smell could be a problem with the electrical wiring or elements inside the air conditioning system. This can result in a burning smell that it similar to chemicals or burning plastic.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak or an electrical concern, 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 hazardous and may require immediate attention to protect against injury or damage to your home.
Weird Smells Coming from Your Cooling? Call the Pros at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.
If your air conditioner stinks and you aren’t able to fix it simply on your own, call the cooling experts at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. We have years of experience working with a wide variety of AC systems. Our crew has fixed many air conditioning concerns over the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Rio Grande Valley!