Why Does Your AC Smell and How You Can Fix It

When your air conditioner starts emitting odd or funky aromas, it is important to take notice because it could be a sign of a significant problem. Ignoring unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner can lead to further damage to your AC or even pose a risk to your health and safety.

Depending on what you’re smelling, the root of the problem may be bacteria or fungus in the system. On the other hand, it could also sign something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are a sign of a harmful problem, including a natural gas leak.

At Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we are skilled at diagnosing and fixing these type of problems. If you smell something peculiar coming from your AC, you can bet that our team of qualified specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned a reputation as the premier company for air conditioning repair in South Beloit and Belvidere.

What does a particular smell wafting coming from your air conditioning mean? Here are some frequent air conditioner smells and what they could mean:

Your AC Smells Like Feet

If your air conditioner smells like feet, it could be caused by a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the system. When moisture accumulates inside the unit, it can produce an environment that is favorable to the spread of bacteria and fungus. This can cause a nasty odor that is often described as smelling like feet.

Another possible reason for the smell may be a dirty air filter. When your HVAC system’s air filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust and other particles, it can lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that it similar to the smell of feet.

To fix this unpleasant situation, 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 regularly to ensure good air quality and prevent the formation of bacteria and fungus.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs

If your air conditioning equipment reeks of 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, 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 air out the area, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services right away.

Your AC Smells Like Mildew

If your cooling system smells like mildew, it might be due to a accumulation of moisture inside the unit. When moisture accumulates inside the air conditioning system, it can foster the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty stench that resembles mildew.

Another possible reason for the smell could be a soiled air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, it can result in poor air quality and a musty smell that has a resemblance to mildew.

Routine air conditioning maintenance from Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can help avoid both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a terrific way to keep your system working at its best!

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Urine

One of the most unpleasant things is when an air conditioner smells like urine.

If your air conditioning equipment smells like urine, it could be due to a variety of factors. One possible cause is a buildup of bacteria or mold in the air conditioning system. This can happen in the event that moisture accumulates in the system and creates a damp environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that resembles urine.

Another potential cause of the scent of urine could be a plugged drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away properly, but if the drain line becomes clogged with 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, this could indicate an electrical issue with the unit. After a while, the electrical elements in the air conditioning system can wear out or break, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.

Another possible cause of the smell could be a foreign object that somehow got in the the air conditioner. If something foreign gets trapped in the air conditioning system, it can become hot and emit a smell that reminds people of burning plastic.

If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your AC unit, it’s essential to call a professional right away.

Your AC Smells Like Gas

If your AC smells like gas, it could be due to a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a distinct aroma, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is put into natural gas to make sure that it is easily detectable.

As mentioned before, 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 contact your gas company or emergency services straight away.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Fish

When your air conditioner smell like fish, this could be a sign of 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 foul 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 can take place if an animal such as a mouse or bird gets trapped inside the unit and dies.

To fix the issue, it’s important to have a professional inspect and clean your HVAC system. They can identify the source of the smell and take the appropriate steps to remove any contaminants and stop the problem from recurring.

The Air Conditioning Smells Like Vinegar

There could be multiple reasons your air conditioning system smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a plugged air filter. One other possible cause of the smell might be a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks, it can generate a chemical odor that is similar to vinegar.

To fix the issue, it’s important to have a skilled specialist inspect and clean your air conditioning.  If the odor persists after the cleaning and changing 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, they can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.

If you are planning to upgrade, Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can help locate the ideal unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide trustworthy, skilled air conditioner installation in South Beloit and Belvidere.

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. When the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that people sometimes describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.

An additional possible reason for the smell could be an issue with the electrical wiring or elements inside the air conditioning system. This can result in a burning smell that is like chemicals or burning plastic.

If you think your system has a refrigerant leak or an electrical problem, 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 harmful and may require immediate attention to avoid injury or damage to your home.

A Nasty Odor Coming from the Air Conditioning? Call the Pros at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

If your air conditioner stinks and you aren’t able to fix it smoothly on your own, reach out to the cooling specialists at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We have years of experience working with a wide variety of HVAC systems. Our crew has fixed a multitude of air conditioning troubles over the years—including weird smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in South Beloit and Belvidere!