As summer heats up and you start relying on your air conditioner more, you may notice an unpleasant smell emanating from your unit. This can be a bothersome situation as it’s hard to ignore a bad smell, especially when it’s circulating throughout your home.
So, why does your AC smell bad — and how do you fix it? Below, we’ll explore some of the potential reasons why your air conditioner smells and what you can do to address the issue.
1. Mold and Mildew
When an air conditioner smells bad, one of the most likely culprits is mold and mildew. These fungi thrive in dark, moist environments, making your ductwork, evaporator coil, and drain lines prime locations for growth. When warm, humid air passes over the mold and mildew, it carries the odor throughout your home.
To address this issue, you can clean your AC unit’s evaporator coil, ductwork, and drain lines. However, it’s important to hire an experienced HVAC technician to avoid damaging your unit’s circuit boards or refrigerant lines. Additionally, you may want to invest in an air purifier to improve your indoor air quality and prevent future growth of mold and mildew.
2. Dirty Air Filters
If you haven’t changed your air filter recently, a dirty one can cause unpleasant smells to circulate throughout your home. As air passes through the filter, it picks up dirt, debris, and other pollutants that can accumulate over time.
So, why does your AC smell bad when the air filter is dirty? When an air conditioner is not properly maintained, moisture can accumulate inside the unit, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. These microorganisms can grow on the filter, producing odors that can take their toll on your home.
If you want to avoid this issue, it’s important to change your air filter at least every 90 days, depending on your system’s usage. This will not only prevent unpleasant smells but also improve your unit’s efficiency and airflow.
3. Dead Animals
If the indoor air conditioner unit of your air conditioner smells foul, it’s possible that a small animal has made its way into your system and died. This is not only unpleasant but can also be a health hazard.
To address this issue, you’ll need to hire an experienced HVAC technician to remove the animal and clean your system thoroughly to prevent future incidents.
4. Gas Leak or Electrical Problem
If you notice a burning smell, it’s vital to turn off your AC unit immediately and contact a professional HVAC technician. This issue can indicate a gas leak or electrical problem, which are both serious safety hazards.
Why does your AC smell bad when there’s an electrical problem present? When your AC system is experiencing electrical problems, it could start to overheat, which can lead to the insulation on the wires inside the unit melting, creating a stench that can permeate throughout your home.
In order to prevent burning smells, it’s important to have your AC unit regularly inspected and maintained by a professional HVAC technician. This will not only ensure your unit is running efficiently but also prevent potential safety hazards. If you think you’re currently experiencing a gas leak or electrical problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for help and exercise extreme caution. The experts at Proactive Comfort are standing by to assist you with an air conditioning repair in NH.
5. Dirty Sock Syndrome
If you’re encountering air conditioner smells that are similar to a musty or sweaty odor, this could be a sign of “dirty sock syndrome.” This condition occurs when bacteria and mold grow on the evaporator coil, causing an unpleasant smell.
To address this issue, you’ll need to have your AC unit’s evaporator coil professionally cleaned by an experienced HVAC technician. Additionally, you may want to invest in a UV light to prevent the future growth of bacteria and mold.
Contact Our AC Experts Today
So, why does your AC smell bad? As you can see, there can be a wide variety of reasons for strange and unpleasant air conditioner smells inside your home, including mold and mildew, dirty air filters, dead animals, burning smells, and dirty sock syndrome. While some issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and cleaning, others require the expertise of an experienced HVAC technician. Don’t ignore unpleasant smells coming from your AC unit, as they can indicate serious safety hazards or affect your indoor air quality.
At Proactive Comfort, our team of professional technicians is dedicated to providing top-quality AC services, including maintenance, repair, and installation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your AC repair in Concord, NH, or the surrounding area, and keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long!