What's That Smell From Your Air Conditioning Unit?

Your AC helps to keep your home healthy and comfortable throughout the hot season. The system cools your space and ensures the air quality in your home is up to par. Therefore, if your AC emits an unpleasant smell, that calls for immediate attention.



The first step to rectify and prevent awful smells from the AC is to understand the possible culprits, as follows.

Mold Growth

A musty smell similar to that of wet clothing may signify that you have a mold or mildew problem. Mold thrives in moist and humid environments. Therefore, check the system's drainage for clogs if you have mold around your AC.

If the drain line is not the cause of mold growth, dirty evaporator coils may be the root of a musty smell, as dirty coils create an ideal breeding ground for mold.

Over time, mold can travel through the ductwork and spread to other areas of your home. If you have a central air system, the spores can reach every room in your house via the vents.

Mold is not only smelly but also exacerbates allergies and respiratory problems such as asthma.

If you suspect that mold is the cause of the foul smell, you may invest in a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in your home. You should also contact an HVAC professional to inspect and clean your AC unit.

Dead Animals

If you smell a rotting odor coming from your AC, chances are that a small animal has died inside the unit or in the ductwork. Critters may enter your home through small openings and cracks. The pests may build nests in the ductwork or become caught in the AC unit. Eventually, the animals die, and their decomposing bodies emit a putrid smell.

If you think a dead animal is causing a foul odor, try to locate and remove the carcass as soon as possible. If you can't find the critter, call in a professional who will have the right tools and equipment to access and remove the remains.

Dirty Sock Syndrome

If your AC smells like dirty socks, that may signify stagnant water in the drain pan. The water may start to develop bacteria, which can cause a foul smell. Additionally, a dirty evaporator coil can also cause your AC to smell musty.

The good news is that you can prevent dirty sock syndrome by regularly cleaning the evaporator coils and drain pan. Also, invest in regular AC maintenance to ensure your unit is in good condition.

Burning Components

A burning smell is a cause for concern, as the issue may signify that your AC's electrical components are overheating. For example, if the wire insulation gets too hot, the component may start to emit a burning smell.

The burning odor may sometimes be due to an overheating motor. If that's the case, the problem may be with your AC's capacitor. The capacitor helps to start and keep the motor running. If the capacitor fails, the motor will overheat and may cause a fire.

In some cases, the burning smell may manifest as gunpowder or something similar. If you notice this smell, evacuate your home immediately and call the fire department. Also, don't attempt to fix the issue on your own. Instead, call in a professional who will be able to diagnose and fix the problem safely.

If you notice any of the above smells, don't hesitate to contact us at Triangle Heating & Cooling. Our team of experts will be able to inspect your AC and diagnose the cause of the problem. We'll also be able to fix the issue quickly and efficiently, and we will advise you on how to prevent the problem from happening again.