Why Does My Air Conditioning Smell: Seven Reasons Why

Have you noticed your air conditioning unit exhibiting unpleasant odors? Are you wondering what issues lie behind the smells?

We understand the confusion and frustration when this occurs. That is why you can schedule professional air conditioning repair services by Premier Systems.

If you're asking yourself, "Why does my air conditioning smell?" you could be dealing with a couple of issues. An HVAC professional can locate the issue and provide an effective solution. Below are the seven most common reasons your AC unit smells unusual.

1. Cigarette Smoke

Your air conditioner can trap the foul smell of cigarette smoke if you smoke in your home. The odor stays for a long while and lingers even after, but not everyone realizes your AC can house it. The scent will go stale and can cause your environment to become unpleasant and give you headaches. 

Every time you turn your air conditioner on, the absorbed particles in the filter and coils will come through. As a result, people in your home may experience discomfort and frustration, wanting to keep cool with the AC while also hoping to avoid the odors.

Ways to combat this issue are smoking only outdoors, thoroughly cleaning your AC regularly, and replacing your air filter every 30 to 60 days. 

2. Moldy and Musty Smell

Large amounts of moisture and water can build up in your unit, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Drains and ducts are where the water will sit and where the smell will derive. In addition, water puddles or dripping from your walls suggest a leak.

You will need to have the source of the leak fixed to address the problem and future ones. Consult a professional HVAC company to clean the unit inside and out and eliminate the smell. It is critical to note that dirty air filters can also cause foul odors, especially if you live in a hot environment.

3. The Spray of a Skunk

The skunk spray scent is a warning sign that you have a gas leak. Since natural gas has no smell, you will know a leak occurs when you detect a distinct and unpleasant odor. Gas leaks can be dangerous and smell like rotten eggs, requiring immediate attention. 

A physical warning of a gas leak includes your shrubbery turning an orange-brown color (not indicative of autumn).

You should turn off your air conditioner and gas immediately to prevent further issues and call your preferred utility company. Once they address the gas leak and your unit is safe, you will likely be able to use your AC again. 

4. Sewage Smells

Why does my air conditioning smell? You could have a backed-up sewer, a broken vent pipe, or P-traps that are too dry. You can run water in every sink of your home to seal off the gross smells of sewage. 

Contact a plumber or HVAC professional in your area if this does not work.

5. Something Smells Like it Is on Fire

A burning smell indicates an on-fire component in the AC unit, such as overheated wires, motors, or another issue. Regardless, you must turn off the air conditioner quickly and look for signs the smell is ceasing. However, the odor may persist and become too dangerous for you to be around.

In this case, turn off your circuit boards, leave your home immediately, and reach out to your fire department. It is best to focus on getting everyone out of the house rather than attempting to save any on-fire objects. Smells could suggest plastic melting, burning wires, or something worse.

6. The Scent of a Car Exhaust

It is abnormal to find your AC smelling like a running car's exhaust, so why might that be? Overheated fluids in your air conditioning unit can produce an exhaust fume smell similar to when this happens to your vehicle. The problem is likely a refrigerant line leak, causing your AC to decline in effectiveness and performance and release hazardous chemicals and smells.

Freon (a common refrigerant) in your unit is extremely harmful to the environment, even more so because it is almost odorless. However, you still can detect the smell as it will appear like a sweeter version of your car's exhaust or like sweet-smelling chloroform. Regardless, it is not a good sign.

Certified HVAC technicians will address the car exhaust-like smell and immediately fix it. Any leak can have harmful effects, so you should contact trusted and reputable professionals as soon as you detect an unusual odor.

7. Decomposition or Trash Smell

You might ask, "Why does my air conditioning smell?" and sniff the foul odor of what seems like a dead body. Unfortunately, it might be a deceased critter that has died within the AC vents and is now decomposing. Birds, small animals, and insects can all find their way into your HVAC system.

The most vital steps are keeping the unit off and ventilating your home. You should then call your local HVAC company to remove the source, disinfect everything, and clean your AC effectively.

Air Conditioning Repair and Servicing

A smelly air conditioner can be frustrating and unpleasant, but resolving it quickly with Premier Systems is simple. We can help improve your home's indoor air quality and assess your unit to get it in the best working order. We are family-owned and operated, offer fair and honest pricing, and have technicians ready to assist you with their years of experience working in homes and businesses.

We provide free estimates for our services and can make sense of the mysterious odor coming out of your air conditioning unit. We'll find the best solution to make your home safe and comfortable. Contact us today to know more about our air conditioning installation services.

We hope to have answered, "Why does my air conditioning smell?" Our team is ready to help you with any heating or cooling problem. You can fill out our short online form to receive a text response or call us at 406-333-0177 for air conditioning assistance.