It’s nice when you can walk into your home after a hot day and experience the coolness of the indoors. However, if you’re also greeted with a bad smell, this can impact the relaxing experience you desire. One of the culprits of a bad odor might be your AC unit. In order to dig deeper, consider the following reasons why your unit might smell bad.
1. It’s Time to Clean the AC Unit
Sometimes, your air conditioner releases a bad smell because it needs to be cleaned. It’s pretty common for people to remember to clean and change the air filters. However, cleaning the AC is just as important. This is a job that’s best for professionals who can pay attention to all aspects of the system, including the condenser coils, the refrigerant levels, and the various belts. The untrained eye won’t understand how to thoroughly check for various components and how to either replace or clean them. However, when they’re not cared for, this leads to erosion of the parts and a consequential odor.
2. The Air Filter Needs Changing
If you haven’t changed the air filters in a long time, chances are the scent won’t be pleasant. The air filters are akin to the lungs of the human body. Every bit of air gets cycled through those filters in order to trap dust, allergens, and more. In order for the air filters to be effective, they need to be replaced on a consistent basis. For most homes, it’s best to change air filters every three months.
3. There’s a Short in the Circuit Board/Fan Motor
When your AC smells like burned plastic, this is a sign that there’s an issue with one of the electrical parts of your system. A professional might need to replace a part such as a circuit board or a compressor. If you sense a burning smell that’s coming from the system, you’ll want to turn it off. If you haven’t used the system in a while, it’s possible that what you’re smelling is the dust that settles on the physical parts of the system. If this is the case, give it some time and the stench will dissipate. If you’re not sure, seek professional assistance in order to lean on the side of caution.
4. Mold and Mildew Are Growing Inside
A condensate drain line is a part of the air conditioner that collects water and moves it out of the unit. A clogged condensate drain line leads to issues such as mold and mildew growth.
Especially during the months when the humidity is particularly high, mold and mildew tend to thrive. As the AC runs, moisture develops. When something is wrong with the way the AC drains water, the moisture collects bacteria and leads to issues like mold and mildew.
Depending on the type of mold, it can be challenging to detect. However, mildew tends to have an undeniable stench. Mold and mildew have a way of spreading as well. As you call professionals to get rid of the mold and mildew, make sure the issue hasn’t spread to other areas of the home.
5. A Dead Animal Is Stuck
It’s not uncommon for various pests and critters to attempt to come indoors in order to get food and shelter. This is especially prevalent in the colder months. However, it’s possible to be unaware of the home a critter makes inside of your air conditioning system until you’re ready to cool down from the summer heat.
When months pass with a dead carcass in your unit, this smell will be all-consuming and intense. However, the best way to get rid of it is by calling professionals to locate the animal as well as the way it got stuck. If there’s a hole or damage caused by the animal, professionals can repair the damage and close any open gaps in order to prevent this from occurring again.
6. There’s a Gas Leak
If a leak happens and gas gets in the air, it might smell as if a skunk entered the home. This is dangerous, and it needs to be addressed immediately. Start by turning off the gas supply. It’s also important to turn off your air conditioning. Evacuate as soon as possible in order to avoid any type of poisoning. Once you’ve called the professionals, they’ll be able to determine the type of gas that’s inside your home as well as how to discard it.
7. There’s a Leak in the Refrigerant Line
A leak in your refrigerant line is extremely dangerous because of the chemicals that disperse through the air. In some cases, refrigerant doesn’t have an odor. You’ll have to rely on experiencing symptoms in order to know if you or anyone in your household is experiencing refrigerant poisoning.
Alternatively, depending on the chemicals in your refrigerant, it’s possible for a leak to smell like car exhaust. Freon is a known chemical that’s often used to help cool down a home through the air conditioning unit. However, if it’s dispersed through the air, it becomes toxic and hazardous.
8. You Need a New Evaporator Coil
The purpose of an evaporator coil is to absorb the heat and release it back outside so that the AC system produces more cold air. Because of the amount of moisture that’s generated in this area, it’s possible for mildew and bacteria to collect on the coils. It’s important to thoroughly clean the evaporator coils so that they don’t rust or break down. Professionals can check on the evaporator coil to determine whether it simply needs to be cleaned or if it’s time for a replacement. If routine AC filter changes occur and the system circulates warm, smelly air, the evaporator coil might be the issue that needs a closer look. An annual checkup on your AC system helps to prevent evaporator coil concerns from compounding over an extended period of time.
9. There’s Trapped Debris from Cigarette Smoke
If anyone in your household smokes indoors, encourage them to smoke in an area that’s at least a few feet away from the home. When a smoking habit happens indoors, the smell has nowhere to go but inside of the drywall, carpet flooring, and ventilation systems. When the smell gets trapped, the AC system simply circulates that air. As it compounds, the smell becomes stronger and more offensive.
Enlist the Help of Professionals
When your AC system produces an offensive smell, use that as an indication to dig deeper and include professional assistance in your efforts. From dangerous leaks to trapped animals, it’s best to diagnose and resolve the issue in the safest and most efficient approach. Aurora Pro Services Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical, & Roofing in Greensboro, NC, offers a range of services, including AC installation and maintenance. We’re happy to assist with electrical, roofing, plumbing, and other services as well. For more information, contact us today.
