When your air conditioner starts putting out weird or unappealing aromas, it is important to take notice because it could be a sign of a big problem. Ignoring unpleasant smells coming from your cooling system could lead to additional damage to your HVAC system 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. On the other hand, it could also signal something mechanically wrong with the air conditioning system. Some smells are even indicative of a hazardous situation, such as a natural gas leak.
At Heartland Heating & Cooling, we are skilled at diagnosing and fixing these type of problems. 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 a reputation as the go-to team for air conditioning repair in Des Moines.
What does a particular smell coming from your air conditioning mean? Here are a few frequent air conditioner smells and what they could mean:
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Feet
If your air conditioner smells like feet, it could be due to a buildup of bacteria or fungus inside of it. When moisture collects inside the unit, it can produce an environment that is favorable to the development of bacteria and fungus. This can cause a foul odor that is often described as smelling like feet.
Another likely reason for an odor of stinky feet might be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other debris, it can lead to substandard 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 regularly to promote good air quality and prevent the development of bacteria and fungus.
Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs
If your smells like rotten eggs, it could be caused by a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a unique odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur, that is added to it to make it easily detectable.
A natural gas leak can be 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 immediately.
Your AC Smells Like Mildew
If your AC smells like mildew, it might be due to a buildup of moisture inside the unit. When moisture accumulates inside the air conditioning system, it can promote the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty stench that bears a resemblance to mildew.
Another possible explanation for the smell could be a clogged air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles mildew.
Routine air conditioning maintenance from Heartland Heating & Cooling can help prevent both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a terrific way to keep your system running at its best!
Your AC Smells Like Urine
One of the most distressing situations is when an air conditioner smells like urine.
If your air conditioning reeks of urine, it could be due to a variety of factors. One potential cause is a collection of bacteria or mold in the your cooling system. This can happen when moisture accumulates in the system and creates a wet environment that can promote bacterial growth. The bacteria can create a foul odor that it similar to urine.
Another feasible cause of the smell could be a blocked drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away effectively, but if the drain line becomes choked with debris, it can cause water to back up and build up inside the unit. This can generate a musty smell that can stink like urine.
Your AC Smells Like Burning Plastic
If your air conditioning system smells like burning plastic, a possible cause could be an electrical issue with the unit. After some time, the electrical parts in the air conditioning system can wear out or bust, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.
Another possible cause of the smell could be a foreign object lodged in the HVAC system. If something foreign gets stuck in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and result in a smell similar to burning plastic.
If you smell burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s important to call a professional right away.
Your AC Smells Like Gas
If your AC smells like gas, there could be a natural gas leak in the unit or in another part of your home. Natural gas has a distinct aroma, often described as smelling of rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because a smell is added to natural gas to make it easily detectable.
As mentioned before, a natural gas leak can be VERY harmful 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, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services straight away.
My Air Conditioner Smells Like Fish
If your air conditioning equipment smell like fish, it could be due to 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 disgusting odor that can be described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can create a smell like dirty feet.
Another potential cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material trapped in the air conditioning system. This often can take place if an animal such as a mouse or bird is trapped inside the unit and dies.
To correct the issue, it’s often necessary to have a professional check out and clean your cooling system. They should be able to determine the source of the smell and take the correct steps to remove any contaminants and stop the problem from recurring.
The Air Conditioning Smells Like Vinegar
There could be numerous reasons a home’s air conditioning system smells like vinegar. One possible cause is a plugged air filter. Another likely cause of the smell could be a refrigerant leak. Sometimes after the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that is similar to vinegar.
To fix the issue, it’s essential to have a skilled mechanic examine and clean your air conditioning. If the odor lingers after the cleaning and replacing of the air filter, it’s best to reach back out to a professional to diagnose and repair any hidden issues with your air conditioning. Or, the mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.
If you are wanting to upgrade, Heartland Heating & Cooling can help find the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide dependable, expert air conditioner installation in Des Moines.
Your AC Smells Like Chemicals
If the smell of chemicals is coming out of your air conditioner, it could be the result of a refrigerant leak. In a situation where the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that people sometimes describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.
Another possible reason for the smell could be an issue with the electrical wiring or parts inside the air conditioning system. This can cause 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 protect against injury or damage to your house.
Strange Smell Coming from the Air Conditioning? Contact the Experts at Heartland Heating & Cooling
If your air conditioner reeks and you aren’t able to fix it smoothly on your own, reach out to the cooling professionals at Heartland Heating & Cooling. 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 strange smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Des Moines!