Why Your Air Conditioner Smells and How to Fix It

When your air conditioner starts spewing weird or gross odors, it is a good idea to take notice because it could be a sign of a major problem. Ignoring unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner could lead to further 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. Other times, it could also sign something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are a sign of a dangerous problem, including a natural gas leak.

At Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co., we have a nose for these sorts of things. If you smell something odd coming from your AC, chances are our team of talented pros has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned the reputation as the premier company for air conditioning repair in Haines City.

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

The Air Conditioning Smells Like Feet

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

Another potential reason for the stench of dirty feet may be a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes filled with dirt, dust and other contaminants, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles feet.

To fix this issue, 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 exchange the air filter regularly to ensure good air quality and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.

Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs

If your air conditioning unit reeks of rotten eggs, it could be the result of 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, which is added to it to make it easily detectable.

A natural gas leak is a situation that is very 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, get everyone out of 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 could be due to a buildup of moisture inside the unit. When moisture collects 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 explanation for the smell could be a clogged air filter. If the air filter becomes clogged, it can lead to poor air quality and a musty smell that is similar to mildew.

Regular air conditioning maintenance from Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. can help prevent both of these problems, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a great way to keep your system operating at its best!

The Air Conditioning Smells Like Urine

One of the most distressing things is when your AC smells like urine.

If your air conditioner smells like urine, it could could be caused by multiple factors. One potential cause is a accumulation of bacteria or mold in the your cooling system. This can happen if moisture accumulates in the system and creates a wet environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that is like 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 correctly, but if the drain line becomes stopped up by debris, it can cause water to back up and build up inside the unit. This can produce a musty smell that is sometimes described as smelling of urine.

Your AC Smells Like Burning Plastic

If your air conditioning unit smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical concern with the unit. Over time, the electrical elements 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 stuck in the the air conditioner. If something foreign gets trapped in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and cause a smell like burning plastic.

If you think you smell burning plastic coming from your air conditioner, it’s essential to phone a professional right away.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas

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

As mentioned earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY harmful 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

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 strong odor that is often described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can result in 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 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 check out and clean your HVAC system. They can find the source of the smell and take the correct steps to remove any contaminants and stop the problem from recurring.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar

There could be multiple reasons an AC smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a dirty air filter. Another likely cause of the smell might 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 inspect 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 identify and repair any underlying 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, Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. can help select the correct unit to fit your home’s needs. We provide trustworthy, skilled air conditioner installation in Haines City.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals

If the smell of chemicals is emitting out of your air conditioning unit, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. If 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 cause of the smell could be a problem with the electrical wiring or elements inside the air conditioning system. This can produce a burning smell that resembles chemicals or burning plastic.

If you suspect 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 hazardous and may require immediate attention to protect against injury or damage to your residence.

Weird Smells Coming from the Air Conditioning? Contact the Experts at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.

If your air conditioner stinks and you aren’t able to fix it smoothly on your own, reach out to the cooling professionals at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.. We have plenty of experience working with a wide variety of HVAC systems. Our crew has fixed many air conditioning concerns through the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Haines City!