When your air conditioner starts emitting odd or unappealing aromas, it is important to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Disregarding unpleasant smells coming from your cooling system can lead to further damage to your HVAC system 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 signal something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are even indicative of a hazardous situation, like a natural gas leak.
At Better Air, we are experienced at getting to the root cause of stinky smells. If you smell something peculiar coming from your cooling system, chances are our team of talented pros has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned a reputation as the go-to team for air conditioning repair in Dundas and Northfield.
What does a certain smell wafting coming from your AC mean? Here are several typical air conditioner smells and what they may mean:
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it may be caused by a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the system. When moisture builds inside the unit, it can establish an environment that is favorable to the spread of bacteria and fungus. This can cause a foul odor that is often described as smelling like dirty feet.
Another potential explanation for an odor of stinky feet might be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes choked with dirt, dust and other contaminants, it can cause low air quality and a musty smell that resembles feet.
To fix this dilemma, it's important to have an experienced specialist 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 on a regular basis to promote good air quality and restrict the development of bacteria and fungus.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioner stinks like rotten eggs, it could be the result of 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 very 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 immediately.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew
If your AC is giving off an odor like mildew, it could be due to a accumulation of moisture inside the unit. When moisture collects inside the air conditioning system, it can foster the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty stench that it similar to mildew.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a dirty air filter. Once the air filter becomes clogged, it can lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that has a resemblance to mildew.
Routine air conditioning maintenance from Better Air can help avoid both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a terrific way to keep your system operating at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most distressing 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 likely cause is a accumulation of bacteria or mold in the air conditioning system. This can happen if moisture accumulates in the system and creates a damp environment that can promote bacterial growth. The bacteria can create a foul odor that some people describe as smelling like urine.
Another possible cause of the smell 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 filled with debris, it can cause water to back up and build up inside the unit. This can create a musty smell that can stink like urine.
Your AC Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning unit smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical concern with the unit. After a while, the electrical components in the air conditioning system can wear out or malfunction, which can produce a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible reason for 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 heat up and emit a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you smell burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s worthwhile to contact a professional right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioning smells like gas, it could be because of a natural gas leak in the unit or in your home. Natural gas has a distinctive odor, often described as smelling similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because this scent is incorporated into natural gas to make it easily detectable.
As mentioned before, a natural gas leak can be VERY dangerous and requires 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.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Fish
If 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 creates an environment that fosters the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a strong odor that is sometimes described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can cause a smell like dirty feet.
Another plausible explanation for 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 becomes trapped inside the unit and dies.
To correct the issue, it's often necessary to have a professional inspect and clean your air conditioning system. They will be able to determine the source of the smell and take the appropriate steps to remove any contaminants and keep the problem from recurring.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Vinegar
There could be multiple reasons your AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a dirty air filter. A second potential cause of the smell could be a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can generate a chemical odor that is described as smelling of vinegar.
To fix the issue, it's essential to have a skilled specialist look at 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 identify and repair any hidden issues with your air conditioning. Or, the mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are planning to upgrade, Better Air can help find the ideal unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide reliable, skilled air conditioner installation in Dundas and Northfield.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioner, it could be the result of a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical aroma that some people describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
Another possible cause of the smell could be problems 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 problem, it's important to shut down 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 avoid injury or damage to your house.
Weird Smells Coming from Your AC? Call the Pros at Better Air
If your air conditioner reeks and you aren’t able to fix it simply on your own, contact the cooling experts at Better Air. We have plenty of experience working with a wide variety of HVAC systems. Our crew has fixed many air conditioning concerns over the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Dundas and Northfield!