Air Conditioner Odors: What They Mean & Fixes | Heald Mechanical

Have you been in a situation when you enter your home, turn on the AC, and a funky, musty smell comes from it, greeting you and spoiling your mood? Air conditioner odors are a common problem that almost everybody experiences. But this shouldn’t be ignored.

So, if your AC is constantly smelling, you need to be alert. It is a red flag that indicates your AC needs repair. If you are unable to figure out the exact issue, you must contact an AC repair service in Roseville to get your AC checked and serviced. In this blog, we’ll discuss the different AC odors, the reasons behind them, and how to fix them.

Common Air Conditioner Odors and Their Solutions

1. Musty or Moldy Smell

If your AC smells like a damp basement or old laundry, it’s a mold or mildew effect. It clearly indicates that a mold or mildew is growing in or around your unit. 

There could be many reasons behind it –

• Evaporator coils issue.
• The drain pan is full and not properly draining.
• Moisture accumulation in ducts or vents.

In any case, moisture is retained inside, leading to mold growth. To prevent this, change your air filters and clean the evaporator coils and drain pan regularly. If the mold growth is severe and you find it difficult to clean, schedule an air conditioner service; a professional might be able to help..

2. Burning Smell

When you turn on your AC, you might experience a smell that feels like something is overheating or wires are burning. It could just be dust burning off after months of inactivity, especially if you’ve been away for a while or had the AC off during winter.

However, you shouldn’t take it lightly because there could also be a possibility of an electrical issue, such as frayed wires, overheating parts, or motor trouble.

If you’re unsure about the actual reason, it’s best to turn off the AC to avoid any major faults. You can call an AC repair company in Roseville to fix the issue. Don’t use DIY methods in case of a burning smell because it can be dangerous and you might put your family at risk.

3. Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smell

A rotten egg smell is usually due to two reasons –

• Gas leaks in the AC, which is quite rare but dangerous.
• The most common reason is the presence of dead rodents stuck inside your AC.

In both cases, you must turn off the system and call a professional AC repair service for a thorough inspection.

4. Socks Smell

You must have heard of ‘dirty sock syndrome’ – that’s what it is!

Your AC smells like stinky socks because moisture accumulates on the evaporator coils and air filters if not cleaned regularly. The mold and bacteria build up due to moisture, making it dirty and smelly.  It’s most common in spring when the AC is turned on after sitting unused for months.

You can fix it by –

• Cleaning the coil regularly.
• Installing UV lights in the system to kill the bacteria.
• Following air conditioner maintenance tips from your local AC pros.

5. Chemical or Sweet Smell

If your room continues to be warm even after turning the AC on, and you constantly experience a smell like antifreeze or sweet syrup, there could be a refrigerant leak. It affects your AC’s cooling ability and can be harmful if inhaled, causing health issues like headaches or respiratory problems.

Fixing it yourself could be risky, so call a professional HVAC service provider in Roseville who will diagnose and repair the leakage. 

Why AC Odor Problems Shouldn’t Be Ignored?

You might be busy planning a get-together or spending time with your kids, but if your AC starts spreading a strange odor through your home, it could be a warning sign of a bigger issue. Ignoring foul smells from your AC can be risky; what seems minor now could turn into a major problem later. It’s important to address it right away. Any carelessness can lead to several major problems in the future, like –

• Reduced indoor air quality
• Higher energy bills
• Severe damage to your HVAC system
• Health issues like breathing problems or allergies

Bottom Line

So, the next time, your AC serves your nose with unpleasant smells more than cooling your space, be alert. It indicates something is going wrong inside the system that requires immediate attention. Always contact a trusted and experienced HVAC service provider who can inspect and diagnose the actual reason behind your AC’s smell.

Get Rid Of Musty Odors From AC And Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With Heald Mechanical

Need AC repair service in Roseville? We at Heald Mechanical have provided HVAC services, including AC, water heater, furnace, air duct, and heating, for over 100 years.

Heald Mechanical is your all-in-one trusted companion for all HVAC problems. Is your AC not cooling properly, or are you upset with its unbearable odors? Don’t worry! We have quick and reliable solutions for everything. 

You only need to contact us; rest assured, our skilled technicians will inspect and suggest the required solutions. We respect our clients’ time and budget, which is why we only recommend repairs or installations that are truly necessary. We’re transparent and follow a fair pricing policy. 

So, call us at 916-972-7276 anytime, we’re 24/7 available.