5 Reasons Why an Air Conditioner Smells & The Best Solutions

Your house is your sanctuary. The last thing you want is to experience persistent AC odors that won’t go away. But that’s exactly what could happen when something goes wrong with your air conditioner.

We put together this article to help you figure out why your AC unit smells and what you can do about it. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Air Conditioner Smells Like a Car’s Exhaust

This is usually a sign that you have a leak in your refrigerant line. Refrigerant can contain freon, which smells a bit like a sweeter version of your car’s coolant when it gets into the air.

Freon leaks can be dangerous so be sure to contact a professional if you think you’re experiencing this problem.

2. AC Smells Like Something Is on Fire

Air conditioner units rely on lots of electrical components to function. That means if your system smells like a fire, you might actually have one.

The solution is to turn off your AC unit immediately and call a professional. Any DIY attempts can be dangerous so don’t put yourself at risk by attempting one.

3. Are You Smelling Rotten Eggs From Your AC?

This smell is most commonly associated with dead critters that are stuck in your system. It could be a rat, a bird, a squirrel, or something else. But when the animal dies, it will release a smell that’s a bit like rotten eggs into your home.

You may be able to remove the animal carcass on your own by taking off the nearest vent. But if you can’t find it, or you don’t want to deal with the smell, a professional can take care of it for you.

4. Do You Smell Gas and Feel Like There’s a Skunk in the House?

If you smell gas, you should immediately turn off your gas supply and call a professional. There’s a chance that Methyl Mercaptan is leaking out of your system. This is a hazardous gas that can cause real damage to your health.

Of all the smells on our list, this one is the most serious. So be sure not to delay if you think you have this issue.

5. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cigarette Smoke?

This may happen if you smoke in your home. Over time, cigarette fumes will collect in your AC filter and begin dispersing throughout your ductwork whenever you use the system.

The good news is you may be able to fix this problem on your own by changing out your filters and cleaning your AC system thoroughly. Keeping your smoking outdoors will make sure the problem doesn’t happen again in the future.

ABE Heating and Cooling Can Help You Take Care of the Problem With an AC Tune-up

Don’t let a smelly AC system ruin your enjoyment of your home any longer. Instead, just get in touch with ABE Heating and Cooling.

We are located in Brighton, Colorado, and serve the entire Denver Metro Area. So no matter where you’re located or what smell you’re dealing with, we can provide you with an AC tune-up that takes care of the problem you’re experiencing.

So why wait? Get in touch with us today to get back to enjoying your home.