Everyone loves to come home to a warm, welcoming house. But a foul scent coming from your air conditioner can easily ruin your home’s atmosphere. No need to worry, Surgi’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing knows all about the issues homeowners face with their HVAC systems. Our team can fix any odor, and we’re happy to share some helpful tips with homeowners!
So, what is that odor, and how can you fix it? Keep reading to find out.
Why Does My AC Smell?
There are many reasons for your HVAC system’s nasty smells. From musty to burning, to car exhaust, we have the answers for your air conditioning scent concerns. Some of these issues are more extreme than others, and may require professional cleaning and repairs.
Bacterial Growth
Just like any other part of your home, your HVAC system can get dirty. If your AC smells like mildew, you may have mold or fungus growth in or around your unit. Fungus and mold are common and they thrive in the Louisiana humidity.
Cleaning out your AC filter regularly will help immensely in preventing mold growth. However, if the moisture in your AC is not draining correctly, you may need to call our HVAC technicians to correct this issue.
Water Leak
If you have a leaky AC unit, that leak is most likely water. Typically, water leaks cause a moldy smell throughout your house.
A frozen evaporator coil may be causing your AC’s water leakage. If there has been lowered airflow, this may be the cause of your water leak. After shutting the system down, you will want to clean up the water as the ice from the frozen coil melts. Then, you can turn on the fan and defrost your evaporator coil. Finally, you will want to change your air filter and check your air vents to prevent any further coil issues.
Typically, clogged and disconnected drain lines cause water leakage from your AC. Even though your AC uses an air filter, debris will college in your air conditioner over time. In the condensate drain line, this debris can cause a clog and flood the drain pan.
You can always call us at Surgi’s Heating and Air Conditioning to solve any issues that may arise with your air conditioning unit. Otherwise, you may be able to clear this out yourself by following these steps:
- Shut off your system
- Locate the drain line
- Pour a quarter cup of white vinegar down the drain
- Attach a wet and dry shop vacuum to the drain until water flows easily into the collection bin
- Use a plumber’s snake to remove the clog from the drain
Refrigerant Leak
Although it’s less common, a refrigerant leak may be the cause of your AC’s odor. There may be a leak in your refrigerant line, which can create an odor similar to chemicals or car exhaust. Refrigerant is a cooling fluid that flows through your air conditioner, and different types of refrigerant can create a semi-sweet, chemical odor.
If you suspect that there is a refrigerant leakage issue with your air conditioner, you will want to open your windows, shut down your system, and call an AC repair specialist.
Your AC Is Broken
Unfortunately, this likely is not a situation that you can fix on your own. If your AC smells like something burning, there is likely a problem. If you think your unit may just be overheating, turn it off and wait a day before turning it back on.
If this doesn’t fix the smell, there’s likely to be a bigger problem at hand. A part inside of your AC unit may be broken or failing, or there may be an issue with the wiring in the electric system inside your unit. In this case, it is time to call in the experts.
A Deceased Animal
Sometimes you won’t know that you have an unwanted visitor until that pest has passed away.
If there is a dead animal in your vents, it can be hazardous to you and your health. So, if you believe that there may be a deceased animal causing the smell of your AC, turn off your air system and call us to assess your system today.
If your AC smells similar to rotting eggs or garbage, take caution and call in our team of professionals at Surgi’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
How To Fix AC Smell
- Change your air filters regularly. Changing your HVAC filter regularly keeps the system clean and extends its’ life.
- Have yearly maintenance checks performed on your AC unit – this way you know your system is working at its best.
- Keep evaporator coils clean.
- Keep your home clean of dust by vacuuming, dusting and sweeping regularly. This will prevent excess dust from being caught in your HVAC system.
- Call the professionals for any big issues.
Professional AC Repair
Having trouble with your air conditioner? Call us today! We proudly serve the New Orleans and Southern Louisiana area.
At Surgi’s Heating And Air Conditioning, our team of experts handles everything with your heating and cooling systems, so you don’t have to. From maintenance to repairs, to installations, you can always count on the team at Surgi’s. That’s why we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee!
