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

When your air conditioner starts emitting strange 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 air conditioner could lead to additional damage to your AC or even pose a risk to your health and safety.

Depending on what you’re smelling, the culprit might be bacteria or fungus in the system. Other times, it could also sign something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are even indicative of a hazardous situation, including a natural gas leak.

At Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc., we are skilled at diagnosing and fixing these type of problems. If you smell something weird coming from your AC, you can bet that our team of skilled specialists has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned our reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Muskogee.

What does a particular smell billowing coming from your air conditioning mean? Here are some common air conditioner odors and what they might mean:

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Feet

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

Another possible reason for the stench of dirty feet may be a dirty air filter. When your HVAC system’s air filter becomes choked 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 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 change the air filter regularly to ensure good air quality and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs

If your stinks like rotten eggs, it could be the result of 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 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 right away.

Your AC Smells Like Mildew

If your AC smells like mildew, it could be due to a collection 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 bears a resemblance to mildew.

Another possible explanation for the smell may be a clogged air filter. If the air filter becomes clogged, it can lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that has a resemblance to mildew.

Routine air conditioning maintenance from Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. can help prevent both of these issues, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a great 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 equipment smells like urine, it could be due to a variety of factors. One possible cause is a accumulation of bacteria or mold in the air conditioning system. This can happen in the event that moisture accumulates in the system and creates a moist environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that resembles urine.

Another feasible cause of the scent of urine 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 choked with debris, it can cause water to back up and collect inside the unit. This can create a musty smell that resembles 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 components in the air conditioning system can wear out or bust, which can produce a burning smell that resembles plastic.

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

If you notice something that smells like burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s important to phone a professional right away.

The Air Conditioning Smells Like Gas

If your air conditioner smells like gas, there could be a natural gas leak in the unit or in another part of your home. Natural gas has a distinctive odor, 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 mentioned earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY dangerous and requires immediate attention. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, open windows and doors to air out the home, evacuate the building and phone your gas company or emergency services as soon as possible.

The Air Conditioning Smells Like Fish

Should your air conditioner smell like fish, this could be a sign of a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture produces an environment that promotes 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 create a smell like dirty feet.

Another plausible explanation for the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material stuck inside the air conditioning system. This often can happen if an animal such as a mouse or bird is trapped inside the unit and dies.

To fix the issue, it’s important to have a professional check out and clean your air conditioning system. They should be able to identify the source of the smell and take the appropriate steps to remove any contaminants and prevent the problem from recurring.

Your AC Smells Like Vinegar

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

To fix the issue, it’s important to have a skilled mechanic look at and clean your air conditioning.  If the odor continues after the cleaning and changing 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, the tech can tell you if your air conditioning should be replaced.

If you are wanting to upgrade, Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. can help find the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide dependable, skilled air conditioner installation in Muskogee.

Your AC Smells Like Chemicals

If the smell of chemicals is coming from your air conditioning equipment, it could be caused by a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical scent that is often described as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.

Another possible source of the smell could be something wrong with the electrical wiring or hardware inside the air conditioning system. This can cause a burning smell that resembles chemicals or burning plastic.

If you think your system has a refrigerant leak or an electrical issue, 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 Your Cooling? Call the Pros at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.

If your air conditioner stinks and you aren’t able to fix it quickly on your own, contact the cooling specialists at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of HVAC systems. Our crew has fixed a multitude of air conditioning troubles through the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Muskogee!