Blog Post

Reasons for Weird Smells Coming Out of Your A/C & How to Resolve

March 14, 2023

When the warm temperatures roll around, you want to make sure your A/C is working efficiently to keep you comfortable in your home. However, when odd smells start coming from your air conditioner, this is a sign there is something wrong. These issues should be taken care of right away to avoid harmful issues. 

Why the air conditioner smells:

Car’s Exhaust- Your air conditioner doesn't run on an internal combustion engine like a car, but it does use some fluids that can smell like exhaust fumes when heated. This generally means there is a leak in your refrigerant line impacting the performance of the A/C unit. Freon, the chemical used in your A/C unit, can be really dangerous for the environment. It is an almost odorless gas, but if you smell something just like your car’s coolant or a chemical-like smell, it is important to get the unit checked by a professional as soon as possible.


Fire- The A/C unit has a lot of electrical components. If you smell something on fire, it might be that one or multiple components are burning. It is important to turn off your unit and contact our residential and commercial HVAC contractors for assistance. 


Rotten Eggs- A rotten egg smell coming from your air conditioner generally means there is a dead rodent or critter in the AC system. It is a distinct smell that you cannot miss. Not only will the smell be foul, but a dead or decaying animal can also damage other components of your system. Take precautionary steps to prevent animals from being able to get into your system.


Gas- This is the most alarming smell and requires immediate repairs. Since natural gas does not have any smells, utilities put Methyl Mercaptan to provide an odor. If your A/C smells like a skunk, you'll notice in no time. Turn off your gas supply and contact your utility company. 


Mold/Mildew- If there is mold or musty smells coming from your unit, there is generally an accumulation of water in the drain pan or drip lines which is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew to grow. Contact our residential and commercial HVAC contractors to prevent further issues.

Contact Our Residential & Commercial HVAC Contractors

To save money, some people like to try to fix their A/C by themselves. However, it is important to call our residential and commercial HVAC contractors to reduce the risk of electrical shock or death. If you are wondering why your A/C smells bad, our team can come in and help you determine the issue. To set up services in the College Station, Bryan, Brenham, or Navasota, TX areas, or for further questions or concerns, please contact us today! 

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