If Your Air Conditioner Smells, Here's How to Fix It

When your air conditioner starts emitting unusual or unappealing aromas, it is necessary to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Dismissing unpleasant smells coming from your cooling system may lead to additional 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 indicate something mechanically wrong with the AC. Some smells are even indicative of an unsafe scenario, like a natural gas leak.

At Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC, we have a nose for these sorts of things. If you smell something peculiar coming from your AC, you can bet that our team of skilled specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned a reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Ellsworth.

What does a particular smell wafting from your AC mean? Here are a few frequent air conditioner aromas and what they may mean:

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Feet

If your air conditioner smells like feet, it may be due to a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the system. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can create an environment that is beneficial to the spread of bacteria and fungus. This can result in a nasty odor that is often described as smelling like dirty feet.

Another possible reason for an odor of stinky feet could be a dirty air filter. When your HVAC system’s air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other debris, it can result in low air quality and a musty smell that bears a resemblance to feet.

To fix 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 replace the air filter regularly to promote good air quality and restrict the formation of bacteria and fungus.

Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs

If your air conditioner reeks of rotten eggs, it may be caused by 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 a situation that is extremely 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 immediately.

Your AC Smells Like Mildew

If your AC is giving off an odor like mildew, it could be due to a accumulation of moisture inside the unit. When moisture accumulates inside a cooling system, it can promote the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty stench that it similar to mildew.

Another possible explanation for the smell could be a soiled air filter. Once the air filter becomes clogged, it can lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that is similar to mildew.

Routine air conditioning maintenance from Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC can help protect against both of these situations, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a very good way to keep your system running at its best!

The Air Conditioning Smells Like Urine

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

If your air conditioning equipment smells like urine, it could could be caused by multiple 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 wet environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can create a foul odor that some people describe as smelling like urine.

Another possible 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 correctly, but if the drain line becomes filled with debris, it can cause water to back up and collect inside the unit. This can produce a musty smell that resembles urine.

The Air Conditioning 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 malfunction, 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 HVAC system. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and cause a smell like burning plastic.

If you smell burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s worthwhile to contact 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 your home. Natural gas has a distinctive odor, often described as smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because an odor is added to natural gas so that it is easily detectable.

As mentioned before, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous and requires immediate attention. Should 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.

Your AC 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 creates an environment that fosters the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a foul odor that is often described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can cause a smell like dirty feet.

Another possible cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material stuck in the air conditioning system. This often is possible if an animal such as a mouse or bird is trapped inside the unit and dies.

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

Your AC Smells Like Vinegar

There could be numerous reasons your air conditioning system smells like vinegar. One possible cause is a plugged air filter. A second potential cause of the smell may be a refrigerant leak. Sometimes after the refrigerant leaks, it can make 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 lingers after the cleaning and changing of the air filter, it’s best to reach back out to a professional to find and repair any hidden issues with your air conditioning. Or, the mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning should be replaced.

If you are wanting to upgrade, Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC can help select the right unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide trustworthy, skilled air conditioner installation in Ellsworth.

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 odor that some people describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.

Another possible cause of the smell could be problems with the electrical wiring or components inside the air conditioning system. This can produce a burning smell that it similar to chemicals or burning plastic.

If you believe there is a refrigerant leak or an electrical problem, 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 hazardous and may require immediate attention to prevent injury or damage to your home.

Strange Smell Coming from Your Cooling? Call the Pros at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC

If your air conditioner reeks and you aren’t able to fix it quickly on your own, contact the cooling professionals at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC. We have years of experience working with a wide variety of HVAC systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning problems throughout the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Ellsworth!