With summer highs of 90°F, air conditioning is a must for Georgia homeowners. However, contaminants and broken components can sometimes lead to air conditioner smells, making running your AC unpleasant or unsafe. Explore some of the most common sources of air conditioner odors and learn how to get rid of them so you can enjoy a comfortable home again.
What Causes Bad Smells From Your Air Conditioner?
A number of issues may cause bad smells from your air conditioner.
Mold growth
Mold can build up in damp environments, including inside the ductwork of central HVAC systems. While not an emergency, mold is a respiratory irritant that negatively affects health and indoor air quality.
Dirt and microbes
Dirt and other contaminants get trapped in wet areas, promoting the growth of microbes. This often creates a musty, unclean smell, like dirty socks.
Electrical issues
When electrical components inside your air conditioner become worn down or broken, they can overheat and cause a burning smell.
Refrigerant leaks
Refrigerant leaks are one of the more dangerous causes of bad air conditioner smells and require immediate evacuation and AC repairs.
Common Air Conditioner Smells and What They Mean
Explore some of the most common air conditioner odors and what they might mean for your air conditioner.
Mold and mildew
Mold and mildew odors are among the most common issues in an air conditioner. Georgia’s average humidity of 70% can lead to moisture buildup inside ducts, creating an environment for mold growth. The mold spreads when you turn on your AC and tiny mold particles blow through the house, causing your air conditioner to smell musty.
Rotten eggs or sulfur
The smell of rotten eggs or sulfur typically indicates a gas leak in your home. Most air conditioners are powered solely by electricity, but they circulate air throughout the home, moving smells from other parts of the house. If you’re consistently noticing a rotten egg smell, schedule an inspection and find the leak promptly to avoid further safety hazards.
Dirty socks
Microbial growth inside your air conditioner causes an unpleasant smell, like dirty socks. Microbes can grow when dirt or other contaminants build up in your unit, creating clogs and spaces for them. The most common components for microbial growth are the air filters, drain pan, and evaporator coil.
Burning
When you turn on your AC for the first time after a long break, you may notice a mild, temporary burning smell as the system heats up and small dust particles are disturbed. In this case, the smell will go away quickly.
However, if the burning smell persists or worsens, an internal component may be overheating or burning. This serious issue requires professional attention, since it can damage your AC or pose a fire risk. If you notice a strong burning smell, turn the system off and contact Ricky Heath for repairs.
Chemical smells
In rare cases, air conditioner refrigerants can leak out and cause a chemical smell. The United States began phasing out R-22 for HVAC systems in 2020, but some older systems may still contain it. Inhaling this refrigerant is dangerous, so chemical smells should be treated seriously. Turn off your AC, evacuate the house, and call a repair professional.
Most newer AC models use less toxic coolants, but a leak is still a serious issue that requires professional repairs.
Cigarettes or exhaust
The smell of cigarettes or exhaust may indicate a source of bad air at the outdoor intake vent for your AC. Exhaust odors could mean someone is reversing their car or idling outside your vent. Consider putting out a sign asking drivers to avoid backing into that spot. Exhaust fumes are unhealthy and shouldn’t be pulled into your AC. Similarly, cigarette smells indicate someone smoking beside the vent.
How To Get Rid of Bad Air Conditioner Smells
When your AC smells bad, try these tips and tricks to get rid of the odor.
Check your air filters
For mild bad smells including mold, mildew, or a general unclean smell, the first step is to check your air filters. ENERGY STAR recommends checking and cleaning your filters at least once a month. Change your filters every three months, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Note that some bad smells can’t be fixed by a new air filter. Rotten egg or burning smells may indicate gas and electrical issues that need a professional repair.
Schedule a cleaning
If the bad smell persists, it’s time to schedule a full system clean. Your HVAC pro will clean all ventilation ducts to remove mold, mildew, and airborne contaminants. They’ll also clean other components, such as the condenser coils and drain pan, which often contain microbial growth. A full system clean is usually the best way to address a general mildew smell.
However, cleaning isn’t designed to fix burning or gas smells. This procedure is designed to address contaminants that create bad smells, rather than fixing broken components.
Book a system inspection
A system inspection helps identify mysterious smells so you can treat the cause. This is the best option if you can’t quite identify the smell, or if you suspect it’s caused by an electrical component or a gas leak. Your HVAC pro will perform a thorough inspection of all AC components and provide advice on whether you need AC repairs, cleaning and maintenance, or a system upgrade.
Call for repairs
If your AC smells like burning, turn off the unit and call for repairs. Burning usually indicates an electrical malfunction inside the unit, which requires professional attention. Your HVAC repair pro can diagnose the specific issue. In some cases, they may have to order a new part, or they may be able to repair your AC unit on the spot.
If the smell is sulfurous or similar to rotten eggs, chances are it’s not the AC unit — you most likely have a gas leak. Exit your home, then call your gas repair company for an immediate inspection.
When To Call a Professional for AC Repairs
Some bad smells allow for troubleshooting, while others are safety risks that need immediate professional attention. Smells like mold, dirt, and mildew are unpleasant, but they’re rarely an emergency. In this case, you can start by checking, cleaning, and changing your air filters. If this doesn’t work, professional AC cleaning can address the odor.
However, if you smell burning or a chemical odor, call for professional AC repairs. Burning typically means an electrical problem, while chemical smells may mean a coolant leak. Turn off your AC and evacuate, then call a pro.
Contact Ricky Heath for AC Inspections, Maintenance, and Repairs
Ricky Heath is your go-to AC solution in central Georgia, from preventative maintenance to mold and mildew cleaning to emergency repairs. We have 35+ years of experience with a variety of air conditioner makes and models and can sort out bad smells in your AC system quickly. Contact us today to schedule a service with our licensed HVAC pros.
