Have you ever noticed a strange smell when you turn on your air conditioner? That’s not normal, and it’s something you shouldn’t ignore.
Strange smells can indicate small issues, such as dust, or big problems, like mold, gas, or even animals in your AC system. These smells often indicate hidden issues that could impact your health or damage your system if left unaddressed.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what those air conditioner smells mean, why they happen, and how to fix or prevent them. Whether it’s a musty, sweet, or even rotten smell, we’ve got answers.
Want to stop the stink for good? Burgeson’s Heating, A/C, Electrical, Solar & Plumbing is here to help you breathe easy again.
Let’s break it down.
When your air conditioning smells unusual, the type of odor can reveal what is going wrong inside the system. Below are the most common AC smells, what causes them, and what they could mean for your home.
If your AC smells like an old basement, it’s likely due to air conditioner mildew smell. This happens when moisture builds up inside the unit, especially in the ducts or evaporator coils. Mold and mildew thrive in dark, damp environments, and your AC can be the perfect breeding ground if not cleaned regularly.
These type of air conditioner smells are not common and typically points to an internal issue. If left untreated, it can spread throughout your home and worsen allergies. The best fix? Schedule a professional coil inspection and maintenance service.
Smell something burning when your AC starts? It could be dust burning off the coils or the fan. This is normal if it’s the first time you’re turning it on for the season.
But if the smell doesn’t go away, it could be an electrical issue. Wires might be overheating. Motors could be failing. Don’t guess, call us. Burnt or over-heated wires are never safe
This one’s serious. A rotten egg smell might mean a gas leak, especially if your system has a gas-powered heater connected. Natural gas has a strong smell added to warn you of danger.
If you smell this, turn off your system right away. Leave the house and call your gas company. Then call us for a full system inspection and repair. Your safety comes first.
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: your air conditioner smells bad when turned on, and it smells like gym socks. Gross, right? This smell may come from microbes growing on a dirty evaporator coil. It can also come from standing water that’s been sitting too long in the unit.
Regular AC maintenance helps keep this from happening. Want a fresh-smelling home? Schedule an inspection and professional cleaning with Burgeson’s.
A sweet or sharp chemical smell could mean a refrigerant leak. This is dangerous. Refrigerant isn’t just bad for your system; it can also harm your health.
If you notice this smell, don’t wait. Shut down the unit and give us a call. We’ll check for leaks and handle them safely.
This one’s hard to miss. If you smell something awful, like something has died, it could be a rodent or small animal trapped in your ducts. Sadly, this happens more often than you think.
Our team can inspect your HVAC system and ductwork; however, we suggest that you contact a pest control company for pest removal and/or eradication.
So, you’ve got a weird smell coming from your AC. But why does my AC smell in the first place? Great question. Let’s look at what causes these odors behind the scenes.
A major reason your air conditioner may smell bad could be simply a lack of regular maintenance. Dust, dirt, and moisture build up inside the unit. Over time, this turns into microbial growth, a mildew smell, or even clogs. That’s when the smells begin.
With regular HVAC maintenance, our team keeps your system clean and working at its best. We check coils, drains, and filters so nothing gets nasty.
Your AC pulls moisture out of the air. That water goes through a drain line. But if the line gets blocked, water can back up inside the unit. This sitting water can cause a mildew smell and/or microbial growth. Before long, your home smells like dirty laundry.
Cleaning that drain is a job for the pros. If your air conditioner smells bad when turned on, don’t wait; reach out to Burgeson’s.
When your ducts have holes or bad seals, outside air sneaks in. That air might be humid or full of dust and pollen. Sometimes, even smells from the attic or crawl space get pulled into the vents.
Good ductwork matters. If you haven’t had your system checked in a while, we can inspect it for you, seal up the and replace sections of the duct or the whole system.
Small animals love cozy spots, like your AC ducts. If one sneaks in and doesn’t make it out, the smell can travel fast. This is where the “dead animal” smell often comes from.
Some smells come from serious AC problems. If there’s a refrigerant leak, you might notice a sweet or chemical scent. Learn more about what refrigerant is and how it works. If something inside is overheating, it could smell like burning plastic or rubber.
Now you know the answer to the question, “Why does my AC smell?” Strange odors are often signs of hidden issues that should not be ignored. Do not try to fix them yourself. Call us for expert AC repair, and we’ll handle it safely.
Now you know the air conditioner smells. Let’s fix them
1. Clean or Replace Filters: Sometimes, it’s as easy as changing your filter. Filters trap dust and dirt. If they’re dirty, they start to stink. We recommend changing them every 1 to 3 months, depending on your home.
2. Get a Professional Inspection: Start with a full check-up from our team. We’ll look inside your system, check all the parts, and find out what’s causing the smell.
3. Have The Coils Cleaned: If there’s mold or buildup, we’ll clean your coils. This clears out mildew and gets your air smelling fresh again.
4. Get Leaks or Damage Fixed: Whether it’s a refrigerant leak or a clogged line, we’ll fix the issue fast. Our AC repair experts are trained to spot and solve all kinds of problems.
Want to keep your AC fresh year-round? Here’s how:
Don’t ignore those strange HVAC smells; they’re signs your system needs attention. From mildew to mechanical issues, Burgeson’s has the tools and know-how to fix it fast.
Need help fast? Talk to our experts and schedule your visit today!