Are you experiencing an unpleasant smell when your air conditioning is running? Some bad smells are more than just unpleasant, they may also be a health hazard or dangerous if ignored..
Below are a few tips to determine whether that unpleasant odor is more than just a smelly nuisance or AC problems that point to a need for immediate air conditioning maintenance or even AC repair.
A Smell at the First Start-Up of the Season
It is common to notice an odor the first time the air conditioner runs each year. If the smell fades quickly, it is usually nothing to worry about. If it lingers, find the source and have it corrected.
Cigarette Smoke Smell from Vents
If you or someone in your home smokes regularly, the smoke odor can collect on the evaporator coil and in the filter. If you smell a stale cigarette smoke when you turn on your air conditioner you need to change the air filter and schedule a professional cleaning and tune up.
Burning Smell or Overheating
As a rule of thumb, if you smell something burning, then it probably is. . .So if you encounter a burning smell when you turn on your AC, turn off your HVAC system immediately at the breaker box. It is likely that what you are smelling is the motor overheating, faulty wiring or some other mechanical issue.
If the burning odor persists, call the fire department and evacuate your home.
Musty Mold or Mildew Smell
An excess of moisture or humidity in your HVAC system can create mold and mildew, that flows through your duct work when the AC is turned on. To prevent this kind of problem, fix all leaks, check your air filter every month, and clean or replace it when it is dirty, and schedule bi-annual HVAC tune-ups.
A whole-home dehumidifier connected to your HVAC system can help control the humidity that feeds mold and mildew.
A yearly full system check will help to detect mold and mildew problems, clean the coils and clear the condensate drain line.
Dirty air ducts are a common source. When humidity is high, dust inside the ducts can turn to mold. If you see mold in the ducts or smell must at the registers, professional air duct cleaning removes the buildup.
Clogged Condensate Pan
As your air conditioner cools, it also pulls moisture out of the air. That water drips off the coil into a condensate pan inside the air handler, right under the coil, and flows out through a drain. If dirt collects in the pan and clogs the drain opening, the standing water grows mold and mildew and the house starts to smell musty.
With the power to the system off, you can clear a clogged drain opening with a piece of wire or a straightened paper clip. If you see mold or mildew, wipe the pan clean with a sponge and diluted chlorine bleach.
Trash or Dead Animal Smell
If you had a critter sneak into your ductwork or HVAC system and die, you won’t have to find it…the smell when you turn on your AC or heater will find you. If this happens, immediately turn off your AC, ventilate your home and call the professionals at Central Heating Cooling Plumbing Electrical to clear out the decomposition.
Egg or Sulfur Smell
Never, ever, EVER ignore the smell of rotten eggs or sulfur. There is a good chance that you have a gas leak.
If you smell rotten eggs or a sulfur-like smell coming from your vents when the AC is turned on:
- Do not use matches, a lighter, or have any type of open flames
- Do not operate electrical items
- Open all doors and windows
- Immediately contact the gas company to turn off the gas at the meter
- Evacuate your home
- Do not re-enter your home until the gas company has given the “ok” and turned the gas back on for you.
Dirt, dust, dander, mold, mildew and pollen can collect in your HVAC system and circulate through your home. See our indoor air quality products.
If you are experiencing and unusual smell when your AC system is turned on, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Central Heating Cooling Plumbing Electrical to diagnose and treat the problem. Your Comfort Is Our Central Concern. Call 406-756-6656 for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs.
***We service Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Polson, Lakeside, Somers or anywhere in the surrounding Flathead.
