When your air conditioner starts spewing unusual 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 air conditioning can lead to additional damage to your air conditioning or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the cause of the odor, the culprit could be bacteria or fungus in the system. In other cases, it could also signal something mechanically wrong with the air conditioning system. Some smells are a sign of a dangerous problem, like a natural gas leak.
At The Frazier Company, we are experienced at getting to the root cause of stinky smells. If you smell something odd coming from your AC, you can bet that our team of skilled specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned the reputation as the premier company for air conditioning repair in Omaha.
What does a certain smell billowing out of your cooling system mean? Here are some typical air conditioner odors and what they may mean:
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it may be because of a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the unit. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can create an environment that is favorable to the development of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a bad odor that is often described as smelling like dirty feet.
Another possible explanation 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 bears a resemblance to feet.
To fix this unpleasant situation, 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 replace the air filter routinely to promote good air quality and restrict the development of bacteria and fungus.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your 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, that is 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 allow gas to escape the area, get everyone out of the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.
Your AC Smells Like Mildew
If your AC emits a smell like mildew, it could be due to a accumulation of moisture inside the unit. When moisture accumulates inside a cooling system, it can foster the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty smell that bears a resemblance to mildew.
Another possible explanation for the smell may be a clogged air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, it can lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that is similar to mildew.
Regular air conditioning maintenance from The Frazier Company can help avoid both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a very good way to keep your system running at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most unpleasant things is when the air coming out of your HVAC system smells like urine.
If your air conditioning stinks like urine, it could be due to a variety of factors. One potential cause is a accumulation of bacteria or mold in the your HVAC. This can happen when moisture accumulates in the system and creates a moist environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. The bacteria can emit a foul odor that it similar to urine.
Another possible 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 filled with debris, it can cause water to back up and accumulate inside the unit. This can create a musty smell that can stink like urine.
The Air Conditioning 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 elements in the air conditioning system can wear out or bust, which can create 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 caught in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and result in a smell that reminds people of burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your AC unit, it’s important to phone a professional right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner 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 recognizable aroma, often described as smelling similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because this scent is incorporated into natural gas to make sure that it is easily detectable.
As mentioned earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous 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 call your gas company or emergency services right away.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Fish
Should 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 is conducive to the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a foul odor that can be described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can result in a smell like dirty feet.
Another potential cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material stuck inside the air conditioning system. This often can happen if an animal such as a mouse or bird gets trapped inside the unit and dies.
To fix the issue, it’s worthwhile to have a professional check out and clean your air conditioning system. They can find 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 several reasons a home’s air conditioner smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a plugged air filter. One other possible 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 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 underlying issues with your air conditioning. Or, the mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning needs to be replaced.
If you are planning to upgrade, The Frazier Company can help locate the ideal unit to fit your home’s needs. We deliver trustworthy, expert air conditioner installation in Omaha.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioning equipment, it could be the result of a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical aroma that people sometimes describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
An additional possible cause of the smell could be something wrong with the electrical wiring or parts inside the air conditioning system. This can cause a burning smell that resembles chemicals or burning plastic.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak or an electrical issue, it’s important to turn off your air conditioning system right away 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 house.
Strange Smell Coming from Your AC? Contact the Experts at The Frazier Company
If your air conditioner stinks and you aren’t able to fix it simply on your own, contact the cooling professionals at The Frazier Company. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of air conditioning systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning concerns through the years—including strange smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Omaha!
