An air conditioner that gives off a terrible smell can erase any comfort you get from its ability to cool your home. You may even wonder if the odor stems from a problem that affects your health and safety. Here are some smells you might notice and what could be causing them.
The Rotten Egg Smell
The smell of rotten eggs may indicate a gas leak. Though this smell isn’t caused by the air conditioner itself, your AC can circulate the odor around your home. Gas leaks are dangerous, and it’s important that you act quickly. Leave the home immediately without turning electrical switches on or off. Move a safe distance away and contact your gas utility company.
Moldy Smell
A moldy or musty smell is, naturally, indicative of mold growth. You may even see signs of mold or mildew around your air conditioner. Mold happens when there’s a leak somewhere in the system. It can also be due to high humidity, clogged condensate drains, or inadequate airflow. To fix this, you need to regularly replace the AC filters, make sure that the condensate drains work properly, and clean the drain pans. You should also make sure that your home gets the right amount of ventilation. Simply open windows and doors on mild days to keep the dampness at bay.
The Smell of Something Burning
Like the smell of gas, the smell of something burning may be a sign of immediate danger. It indicates that some component in your air conditioner is overheating. Shut off the air conditioner at the circuit box, and call in an electrician and an HVAC professional as well.
A Sour Smell
A sour smell might be caused by bacteria. This bacteria is a result of something decomposing somewhere in your air conditioner. Schedule annual professional HVAC maintenance to prevent buildup.
Unidentifiable Smell
If there’s a bad smell coming from the air conditioner that you can’t identify, turn off the power. Then call in an HVAC professional to check your AC and fix whatever is causing the odor. The causes can range from debris in your ductwork, organic matter in the AC system, leaking refrigerant, or an electrical problem.
An air conditioner that smells bad can make you want to turn it off even on the sultriest day. If you notice any of these smells in your home while your system is running and need AC repair services in Tampa Bay, Florida, contact our HVAC professionals at Integrity Home Solutions.