When your air conditioner starts emitting unusual or funky aromas, it is important to take notice because it could be a sign of a significant problem. Disregarding unpleasant smells coming from your cooling system may lead to serious damage to your HVAC system or even pose a risk to your health and safety.

Depending on the smell, the root of the problem might be bacteria or fungus in the system. Other times, it could also signal something mechanically wrong with the air conditioner. Some smells are a sign of a hazardous scenario, including a natural gas leak.

At H & H Service Company, we are skilled at diagnosing and fixing these type of problems. If you smell something peculiar coming from your cooling system, chances are our team of qualified professionals has smelled it, too—and fixed it! We’ve earned a reputation as the premier company for air conditioning repair in Mechanicsburg.

What does a specific odor coming coming from your cooling system mean? Here are a few typical air conditioner smells and what they might mean:

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Feet

If your air conditioner smells like feet, it might be due to a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the unit. When moisture accumulates inside the unit, it can establish an environment that is conducive to the spread of bacteria and fungus. This can produce a nasty odor that is often described as smelling like feet.

Another potential reason for the stench of dirty feet might be a dirty air filter. When your HVAC system's air filter becomes choked with dirt, dust and other contaminants, it can lead to low air quality and a musty smell that it similar to the smell of feet.

To correct this dilemma, it's important to have a quality service tech inspect and clean your air conditioning system, including the evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain line. It's also important to exchange the air filter regularly to promote good air quality and restrict the development of bacteria and fungus.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs

If your smells like rotten eggs, it could be due to a natural gas leak in the unit or in the surrounding area. Natural gas has a unique odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur, that is added to it to make it easily detectable.

A natural gas leak is a situation that is extremely dangerous and requires immediate attention. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, immediately open windows and doors to air out the area, evacuate the building and call your gas company or emergency services immediately.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew

If your cooling system emits a smell like mildew, it may be due to a collection of moisture inside the unit. When moisture forms inside a cooling system, it can foster the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause a musty smell that bears a resemblance to mildew.

Another possible cause of the smell might be a soiled air filter. Once the air filter becomes clogged, it can cause poor air quality and a musty smell that resembles mildew.

Routine air conditioning maintenance from H & H Service Company can help avoid both of these situations, because a good cleaning, inspection and filter change is a very good way to keep your system running at its best!

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Urine

One of the most undesirable scenarios is when an air conditioner smells like urine.

If your air conditioning reeks of urine, it could be due to a variety of factors. One potential cause is a buildup of bacteria or mold in the your cooling system. This can happen in the event that moisture accumulates in the system and creates a moist environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that it similar to urine.

Another potential cause of the smell could be a clogged drain line. The condensation that forms inside the air conditioning unit needs to drain away effectively, but if the drain line becomes stopped up by debris, it can cause water to back up and build up inside the unit. This can create a musty smell that resembles urine.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic

If your air conditioner smells like burning plastic, it might be because of an electrical problem with the unit. After a while, the electrical elements in the air conditioning system can wear out or bust, which can make a burning smell that resembles plastic.

Another possible reason for the smell could be a foreign object lodged in the HVAC system. If something foreign gets caught in the air conditioning system, it can heat up and result in a smell like burning plastic.

If you smell burning plastic coming from your cooling system, it’s essential to call a professional right away.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas

If your air conditioner smells like gas, it could be because of a natural gas leak in the unit or in your home. Natural gas has a distinct aroma, often described as smelling similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. That’s because this scent is incorporated into natural gas to make sure that it is easily detectable.

As stated earlier, a natural gas leak can be VERY hazardous and needs immediate attention. When you suspect a gas leak, turn off your air conditioning system, open windows and doors to air out the home, get everyone out of the building and contact your gas company or emergency services as soon as possible.

Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Fish

Should your air conditioning equipment smell like fish, you may have a situation where there's a build-up of bacteria or mold in the unit. Moisture produces an environment that fosters the growth of bacteria and mold. This can cause a disgusting odor that is often described as smelling like fish or, as mentioned earlier, it also can result in a smell like dirty feet.

Another possible cause of the smell could be a dead animal or other biological material caught in the air conditioning system. This often can take place if an animal such as a mouse or bird gets trapped inside the unit and dies.

To solve the issue, it's worthwhile to have a professional examine and clean your HVAC system. They can determine the source of the smell and take the correct steps to remove any contaminants and stop the problem from recurring.

Why My Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar

There could be numerous reasons a home's air conditioner smells like vinegar. One possible cause might be a plugged air filter. Another potential cause of the smell might be a refrigerant leak. Sometimes after the refrigerant leaks, it can make a chemical odor that is similar to vinegar.

To fix the issue, it's essential to have a skilled specialist examine and clean your air conditioning.  If the odor continues after the cleaning and changing of the air filter, it's best to reach back out to a professional to diagnose and repair any hidden issues with your air conditioning. Or, the mechanic can tell you if your air conditioning should be replaced.

If you are looking to upgrade, H & H Service Company can help select the ideal unit to fit your home’s needs. We offer trustworthy, professional air conditioner installation in Mechanicsburg.

My Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals

If the smell of chemicals is coming from your air conditioning unit, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant leaks, it can create a chemical scent that some people describe as smelling like chemicals or paint thinner, vinegar or acetone.

Another possible cause of the smell could be something wrong with the electrical wiring or hardware inside the air conditioning system. This can result in a burning smell that it similar to chemicals or burning plastic.

If you believe there is a refrigerant leak or an electrical concern, it's important to shut down your air conditioning system as soon as possible and contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit. Refrigerant leaks can be hazardous and may require immediate attention to prevent injury or damage to your house.

Strange Smell Coming from Your AC? Call the Pros at H & H Service Company

If your air conditioner reeks and you aren’t able to fix it simply on your own, call the cooling specialists at H & H Service Company. We have lots of experience working with a wide variety of cooling systems. Our crew has fixed countless air conditioning concerns throughout the years—including funky smells. Call us today for quality AC repair in Mechanicsburg!