Are Strange Smells Coming From Your Air Conditioner?

Air conditioners are designed for odorless operation. The problems that cause strange smells are best addressed with regular AC maintenance. If you smell something foul coming through the vents, schedule air conditioner repairs at once. Here are some issues that can cause Buffalo Grove, IL air conditioners to become stinky:

Something’s Burning

Burning usually means electrical problems caused by faulty wiring or failed electrical components. There could be mechanical issues with the compressor or the fan motor might be overheating. If you smell gunpowder, the AC’s circuit board or fan motor may be shorting out.

Sulfur, Skunk, and Rotten Eggs

A dead critter decaying in your ductwork can smell like rotten eggs. Gas leaks can smell like a combination of rotten eggs, sulfur, and skunk. If you notice these odors and have a gas furnace, there could be a leak near your ducts. Gas is explosive, highly flammable, and deadly. Because it’s also odorless, utility companies add foul-smelling ingredients to alert homeowners of the danger.

Organic Growth and Smelly Feet

Organic growth in your ductwork is caused by excessive moisture that’s not draining out. These microbes can smell musty or like stinky feet. A wet, dirty cooling coil, a damp filter, or a slimy condensate pan can all smell like sweaty socks.

Sewage Backup, Toxic Chemicals, and Exhaust Fumes

Sewage smells can be caused by a blocked sewer line or a ruptured vent pipe near your ducts. Malfunctioning internal air conditioner components can cause chemical odors, while burning oil emits harmful gasses. Even in systems without gas, fluid leaks can create exhaust fumes.