4 Reasons for Strange AC Smells

September 9, 2023

If you work hard all day in Chesterfield, MO, the last thing you want to deal with when you get home is a bad smell from your air conditioner. Unfortunately, it’s common for air conditioners that aren’t working right to emit strange odors. Read on to find out how to eliminate the following AC smells:

Musty AC Smells

If your air conditioner smells musty or wet, it could have biological contaminants. Microbes grow well in damp places where the wetness and mist from your air conditioner can help them flourish, worsening your home’s air quality and causing breathing problems.

Burning Air Conditioner Smells

If you smell something burned or electrical, it could mean a problem with the AC system’s electrical parts. The cause of this can be anything from dust and debris to motor problems. To avoid safety risks or damage to your air conditioner, you should turn off your system and call an AC repair expert.

Chemical AC Smells

If your AC system emits strong chemical smells, it could mean that the wire insulation is faulty. This problem could cause the air conditioner to run slowly or even start a fire. Please turn off your AC system and have a professional check it out to fix the problem quickly.

Smelly Socks Odor

Germs on the evaporator coil or drip pan could cause an unpleasant smell that resembles dirty socks. This odor may appear when the system starts up again after being off for a while. You can avoid this problem with regular upkeep and cleaning, which keeps the air inside your home clean.

We hope this information has helped you understand what the different AC smells could mean. If you notice any of these, don’t be afraid to ask for help from our team of experts. Contact Fresh Air Heating & Cooling to schedule regular professional maintenance to help your air conditioner run well and maintain a high level of air quality in your home.

Image provided by iStock

Pin It on Pinterest

Compliance Settings
Increase Font Size
Grayscale
Simplified Font
Underline Links
Highlight Links
Reset
Close