When your air conditioner starts putting out odd or unappealing smells, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a significant problem. Ignoring unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner may lead to serious damage to your air conditioning or even pose a risk to your health and safety.
Depending on the smell, the root of the problem may 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 even indicative of an unsafe problem, including a natural gas leak.
At West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services, 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 specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned a reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Hudsonville.
What does a particular smell wafting from your AC mean? Here are several common air conditioner odors and what they might mean:
Your AC Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it might be due to a buildup of bacteria or fungus inside of it. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can create an environment that is beneficial to the spread of bacteria and fungus. This can cause a bad odor that is often described as smelling like stinky feet.
Another possible reason for the stench of dirty feet may be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes choked with dirt, dust and other debris, it can cause low air quality and a musty smell that resembles feet.
To solve 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 replace the air filter routinely to ensure good air quality and prevent the formation of bacteria and fungus.
Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your air conditioning unit smells like rotten eggs, it might be caused by a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a recognizable odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur, which 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 ventilate the area, make everyone leave the building and call your gas company or emergency services immediately.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Mildew
If your air conditioner smells like mildew, it might be due to a collection of moisture inside the unit. When moisture accumulates inside an air conditioner, it can cultivate the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty stench that resembles mildew.
Another possible cause of the smell may be a clogged air filter. If the air filter becomes clogged, it can result in poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Regular air conditioning maintenance from West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services can help protect against both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a great way to keep your system operating at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most unpleasant situations is when your AC smells like urine.
If your air conditioning reeks of urine, it could could be caused by multiple factors. One possible cause is a collection of bacteria or mold in the your cooling 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 produce a foul odor that it similar to urine.
Another possible cause of the stink could be a clogged 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 collect inside the unit. This can generate a musty smell that can stink like urine.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning unit smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical issue with the unit. After some time, the electrical elements in the air conditioning system can wear out or break, which can produce a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible reason for the smell could be a foreign object that somehow got in the the air conditioner. If something foreign gets caught in the air conditioning system, it can become hot and result in a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s worthwhile to contact a professional right away.
Your AC Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner smells like gas, it could be due to a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a recognizable smell, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is incorporated into natural gas to make it easily detectable.
As we said previously, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous and needs immediate attention. When you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, open windows and doors to air out the home, leave the building and contact your gas company or emergency services right away.
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 causes 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 create a smell like dirty feet.
Another plausible explanation for the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material trapped within the air conditioning system. This often is possible if an animal such as a mouse or bird gets trapped inside the unit and dies.
To correct the issue, it’s important to have a professional inspect and clean your HVAC system. They will be able to determine the source of the smell and take the correct steps to remove any contaminants and stop the problem from recurring.
Your AC Smells Like Vinegar
There could be multiple reasons an AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a plugged air filter. A second possible cause of the smell could be a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that is described as smelling of vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s important to have a skilled mechanic examine 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 diagnose and repair any underlying issues with your air conditioning. Or, they can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are wanting to upgrade, West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services can help select the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We offer dependable, expert air conditioner installation in Hudsonville.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is emitting out of your air conditioner, 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.
Another possible source of the smell could be a problem with the electrical wiring or components inside the air conditioning system. This can result in a burning smell that it similar to chemicals or burning plastic.
If you believe there is a refrigerant leak or an electrical concern, it’s important to shut off 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 avoid injury or damage to your home.
A Nasty Odor Coming from Your AC? Call the Pros at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services
If your air conditioner stinks and you aren’t able to fix it quickly on your own, call the cooling experts at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. We have plenty of experience working with a wide variety of air conditioning systems. Our crew has fixed many air conditioning concerns over the years—including weird smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Hudsonville!
