Five Common A/C Smells and What They Mean
Having air conditioning in the summertime is a must to keep your family comfortable. If you smell something when your air conditioner is on or has been running for a while, it can be discouraging. Knowing what to do to solve the smell starts with determining the type of smell it is.
Dirty Socks Smell
One of the most common air conditioning smells is that of dirty socks. This type of HVAC smell tends to reach throughout your entire HVAC system and home. In most cases, this smell is a result of dirty evaporator coils in your HVAC system. Over time, these evaporator coils can attract unwanted microbial growth. If you’re experiencing this smell, you’ll need to contact an HVAC professional. They will clean the evaporator coils on your air conditioning unit. It’s okay to run your air conditioner while you’re waiting on your HVAC professional to show up.
Exhaust Fumes Smell
Another common smell that those with an HVAC air conditioner can have is that of exhaust fumes. The cause of this smell is a fluid in your HVAC system leaking on a warm component of your air conditioning unit. The fluid evaporates and creates an unpleasant odor from your HVAC system. In this scenario, it’s best to turn your air conditioning unit off. Call in an HVAC professional to check your HVAC issue.
Garbage Smell
The smell of garbage can throw you off when it comes to starting up your air conditioning system. If you notice this smell with your HVAC system, it’s likely a dead animal. Over the winter months, creatures can crawl into your HVAC system for heat. This can lead to a nasty smell when you go to start up your air conditioning system in the summertime. Turn your air conditioner off and contact an HVAC professional to clean your HVAC system.
Mold Smell
The smell of mold or mildew in your home can mean that your air conditioner has mildew growth inside its ducts. Due to the nature of removing humidity from the air, this can happen over time. Since mold spores can be dangerous to inhale, it’s best to turn your HVAC air conditioning system off. You’ll want to call in an HVAC professional to come and clean your HVAC system. Your HVAC professional will be able to identify where the mold is growing in your HVAC system. They will then remove it and can also provide advice to help prevent more growth in the future.
Burning Smell
One of the most alarming HVAC smells that you may pick up from your HVAC air conditioning system is a burning one. When you smell something burning, it’s best to turn the entire HVAC unit off. Check for a fire or smoke as you may have a fire in your air conditioning system. Frayed wires or overheated mechanical parts are likely causing this smell. It’s best to leave your air conditioning system off until an HVAC professional can check it out.
Call Us Today
If you have these smells coming from your HVAC system, let our HVAC professionals check it out. Our HVAC professionals have knowledge on a variety of HVAC brands and models. We want to make sure that you get the best HVAC service possible.
