Why does my air conditioner smell? Your AC unit may need service or a little TLC. When your central air smells bad, it’s never a good sign and it’s not good for your health. Worse, some odors are toxic and require immediate attention. It is your passion for health.
Your home’s air conditioner is one of the most used appliances, and it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable when it’s not working properly. Fortunately, it’s good to signal when it needs work. One of the main things that many owners notice is the bad smell coming from the unit. A major problem does not necessarily mean that the repair will be expensive. It could be a dirty air filter or condensation that has created mold inside the unit.
Potentially toxic odors from your air conditioning unit include
1. Burning/Electrical Odors
An electrical problem can indicate a malfunction in the AC fan or compressor, a wiring problem, or an electrical component failure. Made of different metals and chemicals, prolonged exposure to this dust is not safe. The first few times the unit starts, it may emit a burning smell that may smell of electricity and dust, give it 20-30 minutes and see if the smell goes away. If so, it’s probably just dust that’s burning. If it persists, contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible to diagnose and repair the problem. An electrical fault is usually a problem with the motor or wiring. Attempting to repair any of these items can cause serious injury.
2. Gunpowder Smell
A cousin of “burning hair”, the distinctive gunk smell can also be caused by a fried circuit board or fan motor. With such odors posing similar risks, it is always a good idea to have a professional check before restarting your system.
3. Rotten Eggs
If there are no rotten eggs in your home, air conditioning that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur indicates a strong gas leak. Although natural gas is odorless, many service providers add odors to alert people that they are leaking hazardous substances. Do not take this seriously. If you smell rotten eggs in your home, natural gas is the cause and immediate investigation is necessary. Although low exposure is not harmful to health, high levels reduce oxygen in the blood and can lead to unconsciousness and death. The gas is also highly flammable and explosive, causing thousands of deaths each year. If you notice this smell, immediately open the windows in your house, leave house immediately, and call the gas company.
4. Exhaust Fumes
Even with a gas-free system, leaks can still occur if water leaks from critical components. To avoid a dangerous situation, have a professional review your process. Burning oil and other liquids can release a large number of toxic gases, which are different from those in liquid form. These things can be dangerous to your health, reducing oxygen and causing many health problems.
5. Chemical Aroma
If you think your air conditioner smells like paint thinner, formaldehyde, or other chemicals, prevention is always better than cure. A lot of fluid is used in your air conditioning system which can cause chemical odors and system malfunctions, so it’s best to schedule AC repair right away. You may need air conditioning services to eliminate these various possibilities.
6. Musty or musty smell
Have you noticed that your air conditioner smells bad? An air conditioner that smells like mildew or mold is the most common symptom of a central HVAC system. When the air conditioner is turned on, there is a lot of condensation in the unit from the cold air. When water doesn’t drain properly, it can seep into the ducts and form mold. Finding the location of the bone and cleaning it will solve the problem. An HVAC repair professional has the knowledge to fix the problem and make sure it doesn’t happen again, even if it requires plumbing work.
When you notice a smell, use your other senses as well. Listen for clapping or clapping. Look for excess water on the ground or other liquids that are not natural. Often the smell, like when your air smells sweet, doesn’t immediately indicate danger. Odors are usually a sign that your system needs maintenance. However, some smells, like rotten eggs or gas, are worse. If you are burning heat, electricity, or gas, turn off the unit and call your Colleyville HVAC technician immediately. A customer’s HVAC repair technician may answer, “Why does my air conditioner smell?” and assess and support solutions.
(817)858-9301