The human body is adept at detecting all kinds of smells, as it serves a very important role in keeping us safe on a day-to-day basis. So when your air conditioner smells terrible, you'll quickly realize something is going down.
The source of the smell could be anything from broken components to something more serious, like a gas leak.
Regardless, it's important to identify the cause quickly in order to prevent further damage and keep your home safe and comfortable for you and your family.
In this article, we'll discuss what can make an air conditioner smell bad and what steps need to be taken so that you can get rid of that nasty scent once and for all. So read on if you're ready to unmask the mystery behind funky odors!
❄️ Is It Normal For Air Conditioners To Smell?
It's not unusual for air conditioners to emit an occasional musty odor, particularly when they are first turned on after a period of inactivity.
This smell is usually due to the presence of dust, dirt, and other debris that has built up in the unit over time.
However, if your AC system emits an unpleasant or persistent odor, this could indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Common causes of bad smells from air conditioners include mold or mildew growth inside the unit, electrical burning, refrigerant leakage, a dirty air filter, and even dead animals trapped inside the ducts.
To prevent any further damage to your air conditioning unit and keep your home safe and pleasant-smelling, it's important to identify the source of the smell and take steps to fix the problem:
❄️ Why Your Air Conditioner Smells Bad: Common AC Smells & What They Mean
Rotten Egg Smell
A rotten egg smell can be a very dangerous sign, so if you smell it, you should get ready to take action.
The most common culprit is a natural gas leak, which can occur if the unit has not been properly sealed or maintained.
Natural gas is odorless, so odor-producing chemicals (that smell like, well, rotten eggs) are added to it to make it detectable in the event of a leak.
There's also a minor possibility that it could be caused by sulfur compounds and other odorous chemicals that have accumulated on the evaporator coils and cooling fins due to poor air circulation or dust buildup.
These compounds can give off a sulfurous smell when heated, resulting in the unpleasant rotten egg smell coming from your air conditioner.
What To Do
Homeowners should take the smell of rotten eggs coming from their air conditioner very seriously.
This could be an indication of a natural gas leak, which is extremely dangerous and requires immediate attention.
If homeowners detect this smell, they should shut off the air conditioner and evacuate the premises immediately.
It is important to contact a professional to diagnose the issue, as attempting to do so oneself can be hazardous due to the risk of releasing hazardous gases into the home.
In some cases, extensive repairs may need to be made before your air conditioning system is safe to use again.
Once the problem has been dealt with and your gas supply is secure, you'll also need to air out the house for several hours to make sure all the gas has escaped your home.
Musty Smell
Musty odors that come from air conditioners are usually caused by the growth of mold or mildew in the unit.
This can occur when humid air is drawn into the AC, and condensation builds up on the evaporator coils or cooling fins.
The moist environment and stagnant air inside the AC unit create a perfect breeding ground for mold spores to thrive. If these spores accumulate over time, they can start to generate an unpleasant musty AC smell.
Additionally, if your home has high levels of humidity, this can contribute to both mold growth and an increase in musty odors coming from your air conditioning system.
What To Do
First, it is essential to turn off the air conditioner and contact a professional for further inspection, especially if you have people with asthma or strong allergies living in your home.
The technician will most likely need to examine your machine to find what has gone wrong and caused the mold to grow, as well as to check for any damage the mold and moisture might have done.
Additionally, it is important to check the home for any sources of high humidity or stagnant air that might be supporting mold growth in the air conditioner.
If this is identified as a potential source, you'll need to take some steps to reduce moisture levels within the home.
Fortunately, this is a fairly easy fix: using a dehumidifier can help to reduce moisture levels, while regular maintenance on your air conditioning system can help to prevent future buildup of mold spores.
Burning Smell
An air conditioner burning smell can be caused by a number of technical and mechanical issues.
If the unit hasn't been properly maintained, components such as the compressor, evaporator coils, and fan motors can develop dirt and dust build-up over time.
This can cause them to overheat as they are struggling to handle the increased load, resulting in a burning smell coming out of the unit.
Additionally, it is possible for wiring or other electrical components within the system to short-circuit due to corrosion or poor insulation, leading to a burning smell coming from the air conditioner.
Finally, worn-out parts such as blower motors, fans, and other mechanical components can start to produce an overheating smell if they are not replaced in a timely manner.
What To Do
If you notice a burning smell coming from your air conditioner, you should turn it off immediately, as keeping it on may worsen the problem.
Contact a professional to inspect the unit and discover where the problem in your air conditioner lies. They might also need to check for wiring or other electrical problems.
Chemical Smell
A chemical smell coming from an air conditioner is typically a consequence of the refrigerant and other chemicals used within the system.
Refrigerants like Freon are highly volatile compounds that can give off an unpleasant odor when exposed to air. If your AC system has a refrigerant leak, you'll likely very quickly smell it.
Certain lubricants and coolants used in the AC unit will also give off odors, especially when heated or mixed with other chemicals.
These smells can be particularly noticeable when the unit is turned on for the first time after a period of disuse.
What To Do
If you smell a chemical smell coming from your air conditioner, you'll once again need a professional to have a look at your air conditioning unit.
Your HVAC technician will need to look at all the parts where the refrigerant is contained - such as the coils and the lines - to locate where the refrigerant leak may be.
They may also need to verify that you have enough refrigerant in your system and that there are no supply problems.
The technician might also need to replace any worn-out parts and clean out any buildup from inside the air conditioner that could be preventing the refrigerant or other chemicals from doing their job.
❄️ Preventing Future Problems with Maintenance
One of the best ways to prevent problems with air conditioner smells is through regular professional maintenance.
A qualified technician can inspect the unit for any potential issues, monitor your air conditioner refrigerant levels, and clean out dirt and dust buildup from inside the unit.
They can also examine and replace any worn-out parts that may be causing the unpleasant odors. This could include regular checks on wiring and other electrical components in case of corrosion or poor insulation.
Regular inspections are key to ensuring that your air conditioner is operating at its peak performance. This will help you avoid any unpleasant smells in the future and may even help you save money on energy bills.
❄️ A Recap On Air Conditioning Smells
Air conditioners can give off a variety of unpleasant smells, typically due to their parts and components breaking down or malfunctioning.
This makes it a difficult task for homeowners to solve on their own and one that can have major consequences if left unexamined.
If your window or central air conditioner smells like rotten eggs or gas, it is important to contact a professional right away in order to prevent any danger from coming to you or your family.
Regular maintenance is also key for avoiding these issues in the future, as it helps ensure that all parts are functioning properly and there's no buildup of substances inside the system.
If you require immediate assistance for your air conditioner, or are interested in getting maintenance that will save it from future problems, get in touch with Air & Energy of NFWL today!
We provide the best service of any heating and cooling company in Pensacola, Florida!
We have experienced professionals who will be able to diagnose any and all potential problems with your AC unit and get it working again at the highest standard.
This article was written by:
Co-founder and Home Comfort Specialist