Why Does My AC Smell Bad?
When your air conditioner is working properly, there shouldn’t be much to no scent from the air vents, though occasionally, you might notice a faint musty smell when it starts. Strong, persistent odors could indicate an issue with your air conditioner, so it is always better to have a qualified HVAC repair specialist check it out.
Common AC Odors
Unpleasant odors can reduce the comfort in your home, but depending on the cause, they may also harm your health. The most typical AC scents and their causes are listed below:
Dirty Sock or Foot Odors
This smell, often known as “Dirty Sock Syndrome,” is typically brought on by stagnant water in the condensate system. That can result from a condensate pump failure or a plugged condensate drain. In other instances, it can mean mold growing in the ducting or on the evaporator. While most mold species are benign, a few might be harmful.
Burning Plastic or Smoky Odors
Burning or smokey odors could indicate that an electrical component has failed or that the blower motor is broken. The system must be turned off if the smells don’t disappear immediately.
Rotten Egg Odors
The smell of rotten eggs often indicates that a dead animal, like a mouse or a squirrel, has entered the ducting. If that’s the case, the ducts must be examined and cleaned. Occasionally, smells like rotten eggs or skunks may come from a propane or natural gas additive, signaling that your air conditioner is absorbing vapors from a gas leak. If there is a gas leak, get out of the house and phone your utility company or the police for help.
Mold or Mildew Smells
Odors of mold or mildew suggest a source of considerable moisture within the system, such as the evaporator, ducting, or condensate drain. If mold is discovered, have the system checked out and cleaned, paying close attention to the ducting.
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