It’s the middle of summer, and your air conditioner is working overtime to keep you cool. But suddenly, you smell something foul coming from the air conditioner vents. What could be causing this terrible smell? You may not know why, but there are a few common reasons your air conditioner smells bad.
Different smells can come from your air conditioner, depending on the problem. This article will discuss some of the most common reasons air conditioners start to smell bad and what you can do to fix the problem.
Rotten Eggs Smell
Dead rodents or other animals that have become trapped in an air conditioner can sometimes cause it to smell foul or rotting. You cannot possibly mistake this smell for anything else because it is so distinctive and identifiable.
If your home doesn’t already smell like rotten eggs, the stench of rotten eggs or sulphur from the air conditioner is probably coming from a natural gas leak. While natural gas is odourless by itself, most utility companies add scents to warn consumers of a potentially deadly leak. Don’t disregard this. Natural gas leaks are serious business and should be dealt with immediately.
Excessive exposure lower the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can cause unconsciousness and death, whereas modest amounts of exposure are not harmful to your health. Additionally, very explosive and combustible, gas kills dozens of people annually. Open your windows as soon as you notice the scent, leave the house immediately, and dial the gas company.
Gun Powder or Burning Smell
If your air conditioner smells like it’s burning, that is most likely what the problem is. An electrical issue almost always causes a burning smell from your air conditioner. It could be a loose wire or connection or a burned-out motor.
If you notice a burning smell coming from your AC system, turn it off immediately and call a qualified air conditioning technician to come to take a look. If you try to fix the problem yourself, you could end up causing more damage or even injuring yourself.
Exhaust Fumes Smell
Even though your heating and cooling systems are not fueled by gas, exhaust odours may still be present if liquids leak from specific HVAC system components. If your air conditioner smells like exhaust fumes, this could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced whenever any type of fuel is burned.
While small amounts of carbon monoxide are not harmful, too much exposure can cause serious health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and even death. If you notice an exhaust fumes smell coming from your air conditioner, call a qualified technician to come to take a look as soon as possible.
Chemical Smell
If your air conditioner has a chemical smell, this is most likely due to a Freon leak. Freon is a coolant used in air conditioners to help keep the air inside cool and comfortable. While Freon itself is not harmful, it can be highly flammable when it mixes with other chemicals.
A Freon leak can also cause your air conditioner to stop working correctly. If you notice a chemical smell coming from your air conditioner, it’s essential to call a qualified technician to come to take a look. Trying to fix the problem yourself could result in injury or further damage to your air conditioner.
Mould and Mildew Smell
One of the most common reasons air conditioners start to smell bad is mould and mildew growth. Mould and mildew thrive in damp, dark environments, which makes air conditioners the perfect place for them to grow.
If you notice a musty or mouldy smell coming from your air conditioner, it’s crucial to have the unit checked by a qualified technician. Mould and mildew can cause serious health problems, so taking care of the problem as soon as possible is essential.
Skunk Smell
Another typical air conditioner smell is the skunk-like smell of sulphur. It is most likely due to a drain pan or drains line problem. When water accumulates in the drain pan, it can start to stink. Additionally, if the drain line becomes clogged, water can back up and cause an unpleasant odour.
If you notice a skunk-like smell coming from your air conditioner, it’s crucial to have the unit checked by a qualified technician. Trying to fix the problem yourself could further damage your air conditioner.
Conclusion
There are several reasons your air conditioner may start to smell bad. Some of the most common causes include mould and mildew growth, dirty filters, or a clogged drainage pipe. If you notice an unpleasant odour coming from your air conditioner, it’s essential to have the unit checked by a qualified technician. Trying to fix the problem yourself could further damage your air conditioner. Contact the experts at Furnace Repair Toronto for air conditioner repair in the GTA.