When your air conditioner starts emitting unusual or gross odors, 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 air conditioning or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on what you’re smelling, the root of the problem might be bacteria or fungus in the system. Other times, it could also indicate something mechanically wrong with the AC. Some smells are a warning of a dangerous scenario, including a natural gas leak.
At Verona HVAC, we have a nose for these sorts of things. If you smell something weird coming from your cooling system, chances are our team of qualified professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned our reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Santa Clarita.
What does a particular smell wafting coming from your cooling system mean? Here are several typical air conditioner odors and what they could mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it can be due to a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the system. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can produce an environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a foul odor that is often described as smelling like stinky feet.
Another potential reason for the stench of dirty feet could be a dirty air filter. If an air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other particles, it can lead to substandard air quality and a musty smell that resembles feet.
To correct this problem, 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 exchange the air filter on a regular basis to ensure good air quality and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.
Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning unit 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 distinct 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 allow gas to escape the area, make everyone leave the building and call your gas company or emergency services at once.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew
If your AC emits a smell like mildew, it may be due to a buildup 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 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 lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Annual air conditioning maintenance from Verona HVAC can help avoid both of these problems, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a great way to keep your system running at its best!
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Urine
One of the most unpleasant situations is when the air coming out of your HVAC system smells like urine.
If your air conditioning reeks of 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 moist environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can create a foul odor that resembles urine.
Another possible cause of the scent of urine 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 build up inside the unit. This can produce a musty smell that can stink like urine.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your AC smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical issue with the unit. After a while, the electrical parts in the air conditioning system can wear out or bust, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a foreign object stuck in the HVAC system. If something foreign gets caught in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and cause a smell that reminds people of burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s worthwhile to phone a professional right away.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioning smells like gas, it could 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 similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is incorporated into natural gas so that it is easily detectable.
As stated previously, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous and needs 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 right away.
Your AC Smells Like Fish
If your air conditioning equipment smell like fish, this could be a sign of a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture causes an environment that promotes 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 create a smell like dirty feet.
Another potential cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material trapped in 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 air conditioning system. They can find the source of the smell and take the appropriate steps to remove any contaminants and keep the problem from recurring.
Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
There could be multiple reasons an AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause of the smell could be a plugged air filter. A second likely 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 important to have a skilled specialist 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 identify 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, Verona HVAC can help find the right unit to fit your home’s needs. We deliver reliable, skilled air conditioner installation in Santa Clarita.
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. In a situation where 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 something wrong with the electrical wiring or components inside the air conditioning system. This can cause a burning smell that it similar to chemicals or burning plastic.
If you think your system has a refrigerant leak or an electrical problem, it’s important to shut down your air conditioning system as soon as possible 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.
A Nasty Odor Coming from the Air Conditioning? Contact the Experts at Verona HVAC
If your air conditioner smells nasty and you aren’t able to fix it simply on your own, reach out to the cooling professionals at Verona HVAC. We have years of experience working with a wide variety of AC systems. Our crew has fixed a multitude of air conditioning troubles through the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Santa Clarita!