Why Does My AC Smell: Should You Be Worried?

What’s your favorite part about your AC? Is it your system’s silent functioning, the efficiency that lowers your monthly bills, or the refreshing cool breeze on a hot summer day? For some residents, it's the fresh, clean air.

Unless you’ve wondered “why does my AC smell?” at some point, you probably won’t consider clean air closely. However, those familiar with the smell of smoke, gas, or mustiness understand AC fumes are not only a possibility but a serious concern.

Our five-star team at Watson Heating & Air has compiled a list of concerning AC smells. For air conditioning repair services in Lexington, don’t hesitate to call us.

Smoky Smells

A burning or smoky smell indicates the following:

Car Exhaust Fumes

Vehicles release exhaust fumes that the combustion engine discharges after burning gas or other fuels. Your air conditioner doesn’t contain this equipment. However, it heats non-combustible refrigerant gas like freon, which creates a similar smell. 

Because your unit’s refrigerant line retains these fumes and releases them outdoors, you shouldn’t smell it indoors unless there’s a leak. This chlorofluorocarbon chemical may also give off an almost undetectable chloroform or coolant scent. 

However, this harmful chemical, which the US banned for being toxic to the environment, burns and irritates the skin, lungs, and stomach. If left unchecked, it eventually causes death. If you suspect a leak is jeopardizing your indoor air quality, ventilate your home by opening windows and calling emergency repair services. 

Burning Plastic Smell

If you’re wondering, “why does my AC smell like burning plastic?”, you may have another concern. ACs comprise numerous electrical wires within the circuit boards, compressors, and fans.

When years of wear and tear leave these wires worn, loose, or faulty, they may short-circuit. As a result, they’ll burn the outer plastic covering and introduce a burning plastic smell to your home.

Any dust buildup on your system’s internal components also burns when your system is in use. Therefore, this buildup gives off gunpowder or burning wire smells. Fortunately, even if you haven’t gotten around to bi-monthly dust and dirt cleanings, odor from dust buildup dies away within half an hour.

Still, call a professional to check your system to ensure your wiring is intact. 

Cigarette Odor

Another burning smell from your AC unit you should know is a cigarette odor. This smell only becomes an issue in households when residents smoke indoors. However, it’s an annoying, stagnant stench that leaves your house smelling of these fumes 24/7. 

When smoking indoors, the AC unit pulls the surrounding air in through the filters and into the system for cooling. The filters trap tobacco particles, eventually re-releasing them back into your air. As a result, these particles cause frequent headaches, allergies, or a sick feeling.

Changing the filters each month creates a cleaner atmosphere.

Rotten Egg Stench

If your home smells like rotten eggs, you may worry about a natural gas leak. However, the real source may have you asking, “Why does my AC smell like rotten eggs?”

Fortunately, it's not for the same reason. However, dead creatures don’t make the rotten egg stench any less offensive. 

Rodents can burrow into your ducts or indoor unit compartment, looking for a warm crawlspace to take refuge. Insects also make nests, calling your unit home. While biting into wires breaks down your unit, carcasses in your system clog moving parts and discharge a foul stench.

If you uncover the exact location of the smell, use a screwdriver to open your ducts or system to remove the waste. However, consider calling a professional since the carcass may be deep within your system. Technicians also check for damages and wipe down any remains. 



Mustiness

AC units convert warm air to cool air, releasing excess warm air outdoors. The process creates condensation buildup that the system discharges with a drip line and drain pan.

If you don’t clean the equipment frequently, water builds up in the drain pan. As a result, the stagnant water gives life to fungi. 

If mold and mildew aren’t the cause, high humidity may lead to your filters trapping moisture. Changing your filters more often in warmer climates helps reduce mustiness. 

Reliable Services and Healthier Units

Playing “why does my AC smell?” is never a fun game. Without AC maintenance services in Lexington, KY, your AC odor will only get worse.

Watson Heating & Air performs five-star maintenance visits, repairs, and replacements. With our help, you’ll never have to worry again about foul-smelling air. 

Trust our local family-owned and operated company and certified technicians. Call (859) 625-0081 for speedy services today!