Blog Layout

Why is There a Smell Coming from My Air Conditioning Unit?

Air conditioning is vital for keeping your home cool during the heat of the summer, so it’s very frustrating when it stops working the way it should.

That’s when Davies and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning can help. We service many problems having to do with your cooling system and strange smells are one of them. Want to know what that smell might be?

Dirty Socks Smell

The smell of dirty socks (musty/sweaty smell) could indicate that your air conditioning unit is dirty. It might also have a clog somewhere.

The odour is a result of water standing somewhere in your unit, which is probably because it isn’t draining like it should. You will need to have the unit looked at by a professional so they can help you figure out where the problem is and provide a thorough A/C servicing.

Fumes or Burnt Smell

The smell of exhaust can happen even if your cooling system isn’t gas powered. It indicates that you probably have a fluid leak somewhere and it’s dripping on parts of the engine, which produces the scent.

The smell of gunpowder or burnt wires is usually because part of the air conditioner has shorted out. In either of these cases, you will need a professional to help you diagnose and repair the electrical issues.

Rotten Eggs Smell

If you get a whiff of rotten eggs when you turn your air conditioner on, you probably have a dead animal inside of it.

Sometimes rodents or birds will burrow in the unit in the fall and winter and could die there. When you turn your air conditioner on, the smell of the animal decomposing will permeate your home. You will need to have your unit and your ducts professionally cleaned to get rid of the smell.