Now more than ever, we are spending more time in our home. That means we are all breathing in more indoor air than before, which leads to a crucial question. How does your AC smell? There are many possible smells, and all of them are not good for your health.
If your AC smells odd, you should not ignore it or try to mask the smell with air fresheners. A smelly air conditioner is a clear indicator that your AC needs maintenance from a trained technician. Let's take a glance at five common smells.
If your AC smells like burning, then immediately shut it off. A burning smell can come from an overheating motor, burning wires, or a mechanical malfunction. Don't try to repair it yourself; call an HVAC technician to have a look.
If you see smoke coming out of the AC, don't hesitate to contact the fire department, which may mean a possible fire.
An unfortunate odor in the air conditioner indicates that an animal is rotting somewhere in the air ducts. The best you can do is turn off the AC to avoid the smell becoming more pungent and get into contact with an HVAC technician. They have the proper equipment to detect and clean the carcass.
No, it’s not because a sock is stuck somewhere in your air ducts! This smell is due to a dirty evaporator coil or standing water inside the AC. Standing water is a breeding ground for bacterias and microorganisms, so take immediate action.
Standing water can also lead to mold growing in your air ducts. Look for an HVAC company that provides a complete clean of your home's air ducts. Cleaning the air ducts will ensure nothing harmful affects your family.
You may think that this is a typical smell for an AC, but no odor is OK as we mentioned at the start. Car exhaust smell means a leak in your AC system, perhaps from your refrigerant line. As this is a chemical, it is not suitable for your lungs, and prolonged exposure to this will cause many health problems.
If your air conditioner smells like smoke, specifically cigarette smoke, that means your filter or evaporator coil requires maintenance. A dirty filter will significantly hinder your AC's performance, so make sure to change your filters often. To stop this smell or to avoid frequently replace the filters, simply refrain from smoking in your home.
There are other possible AC smells, but once again, none of them are desirable for your AC or your family. It is possible to avoid any foul odor by having regular maintenance done on your air conditioner. With over 30 years of expertise, we at Sun Air Services can provide the best care for your AC.
Contact us today! We are available 24-hours a day to help you with all your AC & heating needs.