Troubleshooting the Causes of Air Conditioning Odors
An unpleasant smell originating from the air conditioning unit can be very uncomfortable. It leaves homeowners wondering if they should turn the appliance off or continue to suffer from the bad smell. Understanding what causes AC units to emit nasty odors is essential when dealing with this problem.
Explore the different types of AC odors and their possible causes:
Car exhaust smell
Unlike cars, ACs don't have a combustion engine. Therefore, an AC unit producing a scent similar to car exhaust fumes probably leaks in its refrigeration line. Consequently, the unit has no reason to generate any smell that resembles exhaust. However, these appliances have fluids in their mechanism that could smell like exhaust smoke when heated.
Chemicals like the Freon used in ACs could leak out of faulty pipes, creating a safety hazard. If a leak is suspected, contact a qualified technician to deal with the problem as soon as possible.
Burning plastic smell
The standard AC unit has many electrical components. If the appliance smells like burning plastic or gunpowder, it's a good bet that one or several of these electrical parts are on fire. Once you detect this particular smell, the AC unit should be turned off immediately. A professional would be most suitable for repairs as electrical faults can be dangerous to handle without the proper experience.
Rotten eggs smell
The smell of rotten eggs emitting from the AC unit can be unpleasant. What is even more disturbing is the cause of this awful odor. The rotten eggs smell arises when insects, critters, rodents, or lizards get trapped and die in the cooling appliance. These animals begin to decompose, giving off an offensive smell. Engaging a licensed technician to clean out the device would be the best cause of action if this happens.
Smelly feet odor
The odor of smelly feet coming from an AC unit can be very dangerous. This scent indicates a gas leak within the appliance.
Natural gas does not have a detectable odor, so gas companies add methyl mercaptan to their product. Methyl mercaptan has a distinct smell that is obvious should there be a gas leak. If the AC unit emits a smelly-feet odor, immediately turn off the gas line and contact the utility company.
Moldy smell
The most common AC odor is a musty smell coming from the AC unit. This smell is produced from an accumulation of water in the drain pipes. The stagnant water can cause mildew or mold growth, resulting in a scent that spreads through the room when the cooling appliance is on.
Call the experts
There are several reasons why an AC unit would emit an offensive odor. In these scenarios, it's essential to call in a licensed technician to deal with the problem before the situation gets worse.
Modern Air Conditioning & Heating is a Boulder City-based HVAC company offering 15 years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC services for all makes and models. You can also call us directly at (702) 919-4365.
