Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Bad?
When your air conditioner is operating normally, there should be little to no smell coming from the air vents. Upon startup, you might catch a faint musty odor occasionally. However, strong, continuous odors may be a sign that there’s a problem with your air conditioning system and, in most cases, it’s best to have a professional inspect it.
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4 Common AC Smells
Unpleasant smells can make your home less comfortable, but, depending on the cause, they could also affect your health. Here are some of the most common AC odors and their causes:
My AC Smells Like Dirty Socks or Foot Odors
Often called “Dirty Sock Syndrome,” this odor is usually caused by standing water in the condensate system. It could be the result of a clogged condensate drain or a failed condensate pump. In other cases, it could indicate that there is mold growing on the evaporator or in the ductwork. While most species of mold are harmless, some could be dangerous.
My AC Smells Like Burning Plastic or Smoky Odors
Burning or smoky smells could indicate that the blower motor is damaged, or that an electrical component has short-circuited or failed. If the odors do not go away quickly, the system should be shut off.
My AC Smells Like Rotten Egg Odors
In most cases, rotten egg odors indicate that some type of animal, such as a mouse or a squirrel has found its way into the ductwork and died. The ducts will need to be inspected and cleaned if that is the case. Rarely, rotten egg or skunk-like smells could be from an additive in propane or natural gas, indicating that your AC system is drawing in vapors from a gas leak. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the house and call your utility provider or the authorities for assistance.
My AC Smells Like Mold or Mildew
Mold or mildew odors indicate that there is significant moisture allowing mold growth somewhere in the system, such as the evaporator, ductwork, or condensate drain. Have the system inspected and cleaned if mold is found, paying special attention to the ductwork.
If you encounter these or any other unusual smells, have a professional inspect your system for problems, especially if you cannot verify the cause. While most odors are not harmful, some can be dangerous to your health.
AC Inspection & Repair Services in Lakeland & Polk County, FL
For help with unusual odors, contact our team at Iceberg Home Services today. We can inspect your air conditioner and find the cause of the problem quickly. If required, we offer complete AC repair, maintenance, and duct cleaning to take care of any problems we find, and our services are reliable and cost-effective. For over 70 years, we have served homeowners throughout the Lakeland and Polk County areas, providing quality heating and air conditioning services.
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