Why Is My AC System Emitting Strange Odors?

August 10, 2024

There are a lot of things that can eventually go wrong with an air conditioning system in Currituck Mainland, NC. One of these may be a strange odor originating from the system that can cause your entire house to smell bad. Thankfully, most strange odors from AC systems have sources that professionals can identify and fix.

Kinds of Faulty AC Odors

When operating properly, your air conditioner should emit no odor at all. However, when things go wrong, it can produce certain smells that can cause serious issues for your household. These include a:

Burning smell.
Dirty sock smell.
Musty smells
Rotten egg smell.

Burning Smell

A burning smell emanating from your air conditioner indicates that some component of your system is burning or overheating. This smell is normal only after not using the system for a long time. Otherwise, it means you need to call for HVAC professionals to diagnose the problem, which could be serious.

Dirty Sock Smell

At some point, you may notice a disgusting smell like that of dirty gym socks. This usually indicates a dirty air filter, drain pan or evaporator coil. Schedule AC maintenance to clean or replace these items to remove the odors.

Musty Smell

The smell of microbial growth could be the result of the AC system’s drain pan becoming either full or blocked. Other possibilities include evaporator coil issues or moisture in the ducts causing the smell. Having the drain pan, air filter or ductwork cleaned may solve the problem.

Rotten Egg Smell

The disgusting smell of rotten eggs from an AC system can be dangerous. Unless there’s a dead animal somewhere inside your air conditioner, the stink could signal a gas leak. Shut your gas off immediately, and ask an HVAC service technician to find the source of the AC odors.

Strange odors from your AC system aren’t normal. If you notice any strange odors coming from your air conditioner in Currituck Mainland, NC, contact North Beach Services Heating and Cooling to schedule an AC repair or maintenance.

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