Are you often greeted by an unpleasant smell when your air conditioning unit kicks on? You’re not alone. Many homeowners have had to deal with this pesky issue. But there’s no need for you to continue enduring this nightmare. 

In our guide, we will walk you through some practical actions you can take to get rid of those unwelcome aromas. From understanding the causes of foul odors to the importance of regular HVAC maintenance, this comprehensive guide serves as your complete resource for a breath of fresh air.

How to Remove the Smell From Your Air Conditioner Unit?

What’s that horrible odor coming from the air conditioners? What can you do to eliminate it?

This list will help you identify the most common causes and solutions for bad air conditioner odors.

1. Rotten Eggs

Beware. Gas leaks are almost always indicated by an air conditioner that smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. Gases such as natural gas can be dangerous. Natural gas can be hazardous.

What to do?

  • Everyone should leave the house if they can safely shut off the gas.
  • Report the leak by calling 911 or the gas company.

2. Dirty Socks

You can describe a certain smell as “funky shoes,” “dirty socks,” or even “Eau de sweat socks.” It is usually caused by bacteria in your air conditioner or standing water. The air conditioner smell is usually harmless, no matter how unpleasant.

What to do?

  • If your air filter is clogged or wet, change it immediately.
  • Hire a professional HVAC technician to clean your AC.
  • Attention to the drain and evaporator.
  • Schedule professional maintenance for your vehicle at least once per year.

3. Musty Mildew

Excessive dampness can also lead to moisture escaping through your air conditioner. It can get trapped in the ducts, causing mildew or mold to grow.

What to do?

  • Check the AC filter. Check the AC filter to see if there is any moisture.
  • If this doesn’t help, call an HVAC professional who can clean your ductwork.

4. Burning

When you turn on the HVAC system, detecting a faint burning smell is normal. A strong gunpowder smell or a burning smell can indicate that there is a fire risk. This could be due to faulty wiring, a short circuit, an overheated motor, or frayed wires.

What to do?

  • Wait a few moments and check if the faint smell disappears. If the odor becomes more intense, shut off the system and leave the house.
  • Call the fire department from outside. After stabilizing the situation, contact an HVAC company to replace or repair your AC.

5. Exhaust Fumes

When used regularly, an AC powered by electricity shouldn’t emit exhaust fumes. The burning of fossil fuels, such as gasoline, causes this. Smelling exhaust fumes could indicate that your motor or refrigeration lines are leaking.

What to do?

  • Call for an emergency repair of the air conditioner.

6. Coolant for Vehicles

Antifreeze has a similar smell to R-22 or Freon. In Canada, this toxic residential AC refrigerant will be phased out. A leak of Freon could cause a sweet smell similar to antifreeze. Inhaling Freon is dangerous.

What to do?

  • Close all windows and turn off the air conditioner.
  • Contact an HVAC refrigerant specialist for help in locating and fixing the leak.

7. Cigarette Smoke

The smell of cigarettes is released when someone smokes in the house. Smoke residues are absorbed by your HVAC air filters and evaporator coils and then “recycled” throughout your home.

What to do?

  • Replace or clean the filter at least once every 30 days.
  • Professionally clean the system at least once a year.
  • Consider quitting smoking.

8. Skunk

If the smell is skunk-like, then it’s likely a skunk. Skunks can spray your outdoor AC condenser if startled. This pungent odor will circulate throughout your ducts.

What to do?

  • Stop using your air conditioner to prevent the spread of odors.
  • Open your windows and let in fresh air.
  • Call your local HVAC technician to clean the ducts and condenser thoroughly.

9. Garbage

A bird, rodent, or other animal likely died in the ductwork if you smelled an obnoxious garbage odor. Your air conditioner may be spreading the smell throughout your house.

What to do?

  • Hire a professional to remove animal waste from your ducts.
  • Use your air conditioner only after the virus has been eradicated.
  • Your AC should be cleaned regularly to keep it safe.

Conclusion

Do you know that your AC needs regular maintenance? To ensure that your AC operates efficiently and effectively and provides you with the convenience and comfort you need, keeping it clean and safe is essential. Many homeowners neglect This important part of HVAC maintenance, resulting in safety risks and expensive repair costs. Air Conditioning Contractors can help. We are a reputable HVAC company that specializes both in AC maintenance as well as AC installation. It ensures that your system will run smoothly and safely. Our experts are equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to inspect and thoroughly clean your AC, ensuring that it runs optimally and doesn’t harm you or your loved ones. Air Conditioning Contractors will ensure that your AC is clean and safe. Schedule an appointment with us today to enjoy a comfortable and worry-free home.