Why Does Your AC Smell and How You Can Fix It

When your air conditioner starts spewing unusual or funky smells, it is important to take notice because it could be a sign of a significant problem. Dismissing unpleasant smells coming from your cooling system 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 cause could be bacteria or fungus in the system. Other times, it could also indicate something mechanically wrong with the AC. Some smells are a warning of a dangerous scenario, such as a natural gas leak.

At Halverson Brothers Inc, we are experienced at getting to the root cause of stinky smells. If you smell something weird coming from your air conditioner, chances are our team of talented professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned the reputation as the first call for air conditioning repair in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.

What does a specific odor wafting coming from your air conditioning mean? Here are some frequent air conditioner smells and what they might mean:

Your AC 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 builds inside the unit, it can establish an environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungus. This can cause a bad odor that is often described as smelling like stinky feet.

Another possible explanation for the smell might be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes choked with dirt, dust and other debris, it can lead to substandard air quality and a musty smell that bears a resemblance to feet.

To solve this issue, 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 routinely to promote good air quality and protect against the formation of bacteria and fungus.

Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs

If your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs, it might be caused by a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a distinctive 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 extraordinarily 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, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services at once.

The Air Conditioning Smells Like Mildew

If your AC is giving off an odor like mildew, it may be due to a accumulation of moisture inside the unit. When moisture forms inside a cooling system, it can cultivate the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty odor that resembles mildew.

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

Annual air conditioning maintenance from Halverson Brothers Inc can help protect against both of these problems, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a very good way to keep your system operating at its best!

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Urine

One of the most undesirable things is when the air coming out of your HVAC system smells like urine.

If your air conditioning equipment reeks of urine, it could be due to a variety of factors. One likely cause is a collection of bacteria or mold in the air conditioning system. This can happen if moisture accumulates in the system and creates a damp environment that can promote bacterial growth. The bacteria can create a foul odor that some people describe as smelling like urine.

Another possible cause of the stink could be a blocked 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 accumulate inside the unit. This can create a musty smell that is sometimes described as smelling of urine.

Your AC Smells Like Burning Plastic

If your AC smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical issue with the unit. After a while, the electrical elements in the air conditioning system can wear out or malfunction, which can create a burning smell that resembles plastic.

Another possible reason for the smell could be a foreign object that somehow got in the unit. If something foreign gets trapped in the air conditioning system, it can become hot and emit a smell similar to burning plastic.

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

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas

If your air conditioning smells like gas, it could be due to a natural gas leak in the unit or in another part of your home. Natural gas has a distinct odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because this scent is put into natural gas to make sure that it is easily detectable.

As we said previously, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous and calls for 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

If your AC smell like fish, it could be due to a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture creates an environment that promotes the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a disgusting odor that is sometimes 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 trapped inside 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 solve the issue, it's important to have a professional inspect and clean your cooling system. They should be able to identify the source of the smell and take the proper steps to remove any contaminants and prevent the problem from recurring.

Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar

There could be numerous reasons a home's AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause of the smell could be a clogged air filter. Another potential cause of the smell might be a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical odor that is described as smelling of vinegar.

To fix the issue, it's essential to have a skilled specialist examine and clean your air conditioning.  If the odor continues after the cleaning and exchanging the air filter, it's best to reach back out to a professional to identify and repair any persistent issues with your air conditioning. Or, the mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning ought to be replaced.

If you are planning to upgrade, Halverson Brothers Inc can help locate the right unit to fit your home’s needs. We offer trustworthy, expert air conditioner installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals

If the smell of chemicals is emitting out of your air conditioner, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. In a situation where the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical aroma that is often described as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.

An additional possible cause of the smell could be a problem 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 issue, it's important to shut down your air conditioning system immediately and contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be dangerous and may require immediate attention to prevent injury or damage to your house.

Weird Smells Coming from Your Cooling? Contact the Experts at Halverson Brothers Inc

If your air conditioner smells nasty and you aren’t able to fix it smoothly on your own, reach out to the cooling specialists at Halverson Brothers Inc. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of cooling systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning concerns over the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Menomonie and western Wisconsin!