When your air conditioner starts spewing odd 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 air conditioner could lead to additional damage to your AC or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on what you’re smelling, the cause may be bacteria or fungus in the system. In other cases, it could also indicate something mechanically wrong with the AC. Some smells are a warning of a hazardous situation, including a natural gas leak.
At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, we have a nose for these sorts of things. If you smell something peculiar 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 our reputation as the premier company for air conditioning repair in Omaha.
What does a specific odor wafting from your cooling system mean? Here are a few common air conditioner odors and what they might mean:
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it could be caused by a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the unit. When moisture accumulates inside the unit, it can produce an environment that is favorable to the growth of bacteria and fungus. This can produce a foul odor that is often described as smelling like dirty feet.
Another possible reason for the stench of dirty feet might be a dirty air filter. When your HVAC system’s air filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust and other contaminants, it can result in low air quality and a musty smell that it similar to the smell of feet.
To correct this dilemma, 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 replace the air filter regularly to promote good air quality and protect against the formation of bacteria and fungus.
Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs, it could be caused by 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, that is added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak is a situation that 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 ventilate the area, make everyone leave the building and call your gas company or emergency services immediately.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew
If your AC smells like mildew, it could be due to a accumulation 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 smell 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.
Annual air conditioning maintenance from Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning can help prevent both of these situations, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a terrific way to keep your system operating at its best!
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Urine
One of the most undesirable things is when an air conditioner 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 accumulation of bacteria or mold in the your cooling system. This can happen when moisture accumulates in the system and creates a moist environment that can promote bacterial growth. The bacteria can emit a foul odor that is like urine.
Another feasible cause of the stink could be a blocked drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away correctly, 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 is sometimes described as smelling of urine.
My Air Conditioner 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 elements 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 emit a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you smell burning plastic coming from your AC unit, it’s essential to call a professional right away.
Your AC Smells Like Gas
If your AC 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 distinctive smell, often described as smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because a smell is incorporated into natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As stated earlier, 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, leave the building and phone your gas company or emergency services right away.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Fish
Should your AC smell like fish, this could be a sign of a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture creates an environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a disgusting odor that is sometimes described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can result in 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 is trapped inside the unit and dies.
To correct the issue, it’s often necessary to have a professional examine and clean your cooling system. They can find the source of the smell and take the correct steps to remove any contaminants and prevent the problem from recurring.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Vinegar
There could be multiple reasons a home’s AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause is a clogged air filter. Another possible cause of the smell may 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 mechanic examine and clean your air conditioning. If the odor persists after the cleaning and exchanging the air filter, it’s best to reach back out to a professional to identify and repair any underlying 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, Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning can help locate the ideal unit to fit your home’s needs. We deliver reliable, professional air conditioner installation in Omaha.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is emitting out of your air conditioning unit, it could be caused by a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical scent that is often described as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
Another possible source of the smell could be an issue with the electrical wiring or parts 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 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 protect against injury or damage to your residence.
Weird Smells Coming from the Air Conditioning? Call the Pros at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning
If your air conditioner reeks and you aren’t able to fix it simply on your own, contact the cooling specialists at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of cooling systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning problems over the years—including strange smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Omaha!