When something smells bad in your home or business, you may not immediately go sniffing your AC vents to try and find the source, but that may be exactly where the smell is coming from. At Lex Air East Texas, we understand how important it is that your home or business appeals to all of the senses, including smell, and are here to provide you with a guide on how to get rid of a bad smell coming from your air conditioner.
Once you’ve narrowed down the source of the scent and you know it’s coming from your AC unit, you can start to determine the cause of the issue. Common odors, such as musty, burning, or chemical smells, can stem from various sources within your HVAC system. Below, we’ll go through different problems and what they smell like, as well as what you can do to remedy them.
If you notice persistent smells coming from your air conditioner, or troubleshooting doesn’t get rid of the stench, it’s time to call in a Tyler AC repair professional to ensure your system is functioning properly and safely. At Lex Air East Texas, we are dedicated to providing top-notch HVAC services to help you keep your air conditioning system running efficiently and odor-free.
If you’re dealing with unpleasant smells, don’t wait. Call (903) 833-9510 today to schedule an inspection and get your system back to working its best.
Why Does My AC Smell Bad?
Many central air conditioner smells are the result of built-up moisture, overheating components, or substance leaks within the AC system. However, there are a lot of things that can make your air conditioner smell bad.
It’s important to identify what kind of smell it is to get a better idea of what could be wrong with your air conditioner.
Why Does My AC Smell Musty?
If your air conditioner smells musty, it’s likely the result of moisture-related issues. Common culprits include mold or mildew growth inside the unit, clogged drain lines, or stagnant water in the drain pan.
These conditions create a damp environment that allows mold and bacteria to thrive, causing unpleasant musty smells to circulate through your home. Identifying the root cause of the smell is essential to prevent further odor problems and maintain good air quality within your home or business.
Other Common Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Smells Bad
Unpleasant air conditioner odors can stem from a variety of issues, so it’s important to know what exactly is making your air conditioner smell bad. Below are some common reasons why your air conditioner smells bad and what might be causing these odors.
Dust Accumulation
Over time, dust can settle on the system’s components, especially if it hasn’t been used in a while. When the unit is turned on again, the dust burns off, creating a distinct smell that’s often described as stale or earthy. This can cause your AC unit to smell dusty or musty.
If your air conditioner smells dusty or you notice dust accumulation in your air ducts, contact Lex Air East Texas and schedule our AC duct cleaning services in Tyler.
Mold and Mildew Growth
If your air conditioner smells damp or smells like dirty socks, it could be a sign of mold or mildew growth. This issue typically arises when moisture builds up in the system’s coils or ductwork, creating a breeding ground for mold and fungi.
The hot and humid climate in Tyler can make mold and mildew growth easy, while other HVAC issues like clogged condensate drains can exacerbate the problem, causing spores to spread and grow within your system.
Mold growth within your HVAC system can be harmful to your health, so you may want to consider using an air purifier or air scrubber can help remove harmful particles from the air. If you’re noticing unpleasant mildewy odors when the air circulates through your home or business, schedule Tyler indoor air quality testing at Lex Air East Texas today.
Dirty Air Filters
A clogged or dirty air filter can cause your air conditioner to produce a sour or musty odor. As dirt, debris, and moisture collect in the filter, it can become a source of bad smells, especially when airflow is restricted. This buildup not only leads to poor indoor air quality but also strains your system, potentially causing further issues.
Clogged Drain Lines
A clogged drain line within your air conditioning unit can lead to a foul, musty odor in your home. When the line becomes blocked, water backs up into the system and creates a damp environment where bacteria and mold thrive. This stagnant water can emit a sour or mildew-like smell that worsens over time if not addressed.
Stagnant Water in the Drain Pans
If you notice a sour or musty smell coming from your air conditioner, stagnant water in the drain pan might be the issue. When the pan doesn’t properly drain, water accumulates and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and algae. This can be caused by the evaporator coil freezing and dethawing or the condensate line becoming clogged. This can lead to unpleasant odors that spread through your home as the air circulates.
Electrical Issues
A metallic or burning odor from your air conditioning system could indicate an electrical problem, such as overheating wires or malfunctioning components. These issues arise when electrical parts wear out, short-circuit, or experience excessive heat. Ignoring these smells can pose safety risks, so it’s important to take them seriously.
Natural Gas Leaks
If your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs, you may be suffering from a natural gas leak. While air conditioners don’t use natural gas, the odor can travel through your home’s ductwork if there’s a gas leak near the system. Natural gas companies add this distinctive smell to alert homeowners of potential dangers, so it’s important to act as soon as you notice it.
Refrigerant Leaks
If refrigerant is leaking from your system’s evaporator coils, it could cause your air conditioner to smell like car exhaust fumes. A lack of refrigerant can cause your AC unit to work harder than it has to, which can make it smell like exhaust. These leaks often occur when the refrigerant escapes from the system’s coils or lines due to damage or corrosion.
Besides the unpleasant odor, refrigerant leaks can damage your air conditioner and decrease its effectiveness. Additionally, the refrigerant itself can pose a serious health risk to you and other occupants, making it crucial to act fast once detected.
Tobacco Accumulation
If your air conditioner smells like cigarette fumes, it could be the result of tobacco accumulation within your system. If you or someone else smokes indoors, tar and buildup from the cigarette smoke can accumulate on various surfaces within your home, including inside your air conditioner and on the coils, filters, ductwork, and other components.
Each time the system runs, it can redistribute the lingering smoke smell throughout your living spaces.
Dead Animals
If your AC smells like something is rotting or decaying, there may be a dead animal somewhere in your air conditioning system. While uncommon, small animals like rodents and mammals can sometimes crawl into your home’s HVAC system from the outside, or find their way into your HVAC system after making it into your home.
Is a Smelly Air Conditioning Unit Dangerous?
A smelly air conditioner can be dangerous, depending on the source of the smell. A sweet chemical smell from your air conditioner could indicate a Freon leak, which could cause serious respiratory problems. A rotten egg smell from your AC could indicate that natural gas is leaking in, which poses a serious risk of fire or explosion.
What Does Freon Smell Like?
Freon, a type of refrigerant used in air conditioning systems, typically has a faint chemical smell similar to chloroform or nail polish remover. This odor may become noticeable if there is a leak in your AC system.
While Freon is not always immediately harmful in small amounts, exposure to large quantities can be dangerous, making it important to address leaks quickly. Symptoms of mild Freon exposure include irritation in the eyes, ears, and throat, as well as nausea, vomiting, and headache.
How to Fix a Bad Smell in Your Air Conditioning System
If you notice a bad smell in your air conditioning system, there are a lot of things you can do as a homeowner or business owner, depending on what kind of smell it is. Below are some troubleshooting tips on how to get rid of a bad smell from your air conditioner.
How to Get Rid of a Musky Smell in My AC
To get rid of a musky smell from your air conditioner, start by inspecting areas where moisture commonly accumulates. Check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty or damp, as clogged filters can trap moisture and promote mold growth.
Next, examine the condensate drain line and pan for blockages or standing water, as these can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. Clean these components to ensure proper drainage.
You should also inspect the ductwork for any signs of mold or debris buildup, as contaminated ducts can distribute odors throughout your home. Regular cleaning and maintenance of these parts can help eliminate the musty AC smell and improve your system’s performance.
How to Get Rid of a Burning Smell Coming From AC
To get rid of a burning smell from your air conditioner, start by turning off the unit immediately to prevent further damage. Investigate the air filter to see if it’s clogged or dirty, as this can cause overheating.
Check the wiring and electrical components for any signs of burn marks, frayed wires, or overheating. You should also inspect the motor and fan for any debris that might be obstructing airflow, as restricted airflow can cause components to overheat.
If the burning smell persists, it’s important to address these issues promptly to prevent more serious damage to your air conditioning unit.
What To Do If the Smell Doesn’t Go Away
If the smell doesn’t go away after troubleshooting, it’s a good idea to contact a professional heating and cooling company for further inspection. A qualified HVAC technician can thoroughly assess your system to identify any hidden issues that may be causing the persistent odor, such as refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, or deeper mold growth.
A trusted HVAC company can also perform more advanced diagnostics and ensure your system is running safely and efficiently. Don’t ignore persistent odors, as they can indicate serious underlying problems that require expert attention.
How the Professionals At Lex East Can Help
At Lex Air East Texas, our experienced technicians can help identify and resolve the source of any bad air conditioner smells in your home. Whether it’s mold, refrigerant leaks, or electrical issues, our team has the expertise to thoroughly inspect your system and address any problems.
Our technicians are familiar with common air conditioner smells and their causes, and can use this to diagnose the root cause of your smelly air conditioner and repair the issue. We’ll ensure your air conditioner is running efficiently, eliminate any unpleasant odors, and help maintain a clean and healthy indoor environment.
If you’re looking to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place, consider scheduling an air conditioning tune-up in Tyler, TX, with an HVAC technician on our team. Our tune-up services include cleaning components, checking for leaks, and ensuring proper airflow, which helps avoid problems like mold growth or clogged drain lines.
Additionally, by scheduling regular maintenance with our expert technicians, you can detect potential air conditioning problems early, preventing costly repairs and keeping your system odor-free and efficient throughout the year. Consider registering for one of our Tyler HVAC maintenance plans at Lex Air East Texas to experience peace of mind all year long.
Call the Air Conditioning Technicians at Lex Air East Texas for All of Your Tyler, TX, HVAC Needs!
If you’re dealing with a bad-smelling air conditioner, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Call the experienced technicians at Lex Air East Texas for service you can rely on. Whether it’s mold buildup, a refrigerant leak, or any other issue causing your air conditioner to smell, our team is equipped to diagnose and resolve the problem efficiently.
We understand the importance of maintaining a comfortable indoor environment that’s pleasant to be in, so we’ll do our best to solve the foul-smelling issue as soon as possible. Our experts will ensure that your air conditioning unit is working efficiently, so you can enjoy clean, fresh air all year round.
Don’t let bad smells disrupt your comfort. Contact us today to schedule your service and experience the Lex Air East Texas difference! Call (903) 833-9510 or contact us via our website today to schedule a free quote from a technician on our team.