4 reasons why your air conditioner smells bad
Have you ever turned on your air conditioner and a bad odour filled the room? If you have, that is not a good sign. It means that your AC unit is malfunctioning. Here are some of the different air conditioning smells and what they mean.
Burning AC smell
First of all, if something smells like it is burning, it probably is. Burning odours often indicate a mechanical problem with your unit. It could be a wiring problem, electrical component failure, or a problem with your fan or compressor. Your AC unit can produce this smell if it hasn’t been used in a while, but the smell wears off after 20 minutes or so. However, if the smell persists, contact your HVAC contractor immediately.
Gunpowder AC smell
Distinctive gunpowder odours are mostly caused by a burned-out circuit board or fan motor. Once you notice this smell, turn off your AC immediately and call a professional to have a look at your unit.
Mould or mildew AC smell
Mouldy smells are a common sign of poor drainage, a common problem in central HVAC systems. As your air conditioner is running, condensation takes place within the unit. When the produced moisture doesn’t drain properly, it escapes into the ducts causing mould to grow. While mould growth doesn’t necessarily affect your unit’s performance, it can cause respiratory infections if left unattended.
Rotten eggs AC smell
Rotten eggs or sulphur often indicates a natural gas leak. Although natural gas is odourless, utility providers add the aroma as a protective measure to signal a leak. Gas leaks are hazardous, and they could cause serious health problems. If you notice this smell, open the windows, vacate the premises and call your utility provider, immediately.
This smell could also indicate that there is a dead animal in your air duct. During winter, small animals like rodents and birds take shelter in your ducts, where they die and start to decompose. If this is the cause of the pungent sulphur smell, get a professional to clean your ducts.
The best way to prevent your HVAC system from malfunctioning is to keep up with regular maintenance and servicing. We offer planned preventative maintenance packages, so contact us today for more information.
