Is your AC producing a bad smell? If so, you’re not alone! ACs are important appliances for homeowners, especially in humid East Texas, so AC-related problems are far from uncommon.
There are plenty of reasons why you might have a foul AC smell. The good news is that for every AC problem, there’s a solution! Acme Air Conditioning & Heating wants to help you stay on top of any AC issues. Our team is no stranger to cooling system issues, so read on to learn more.
What’s Making My Air Conditioner Smell?
Because your AC system spans across your home to deliver cool air, there are many different problems that can cause the unit to produce a stench. If your AC is putting off an odor, you could be smelling one of several things. Certain smells to look out for, which we’ll explain in detail, include:
- Burning
- Exhaust fumes
- Garbage or rotten eggs
- Skunk
Identifying a stinky smell is the easy part – solving the problem is trickier. Here’s why odors might be coming from your AC and how to fix them!
Your AC Is In Need Of Cleaning
The best place to start if your AC is smelling strange is to schedule a system cleaning service! Mold and dirt can build up in your air conditioner surprisingly fast, especially during Texas summers.
Regularly cleaning your AC will prevent buildup and the stench it might create. Being consistent with scheduling a cleaning before the summer, when your AC will be used the most, is very important!
Your AC Is Broken Or Has Mechanical Problems
If your AC is malfunctioning or damaged, bad smells are not uncommon. A burning stink might indicate that your system is being overworked – try leaving the AC off for a day or two to see if the odor goes away.
Simply turning your AC off and on again might not be enough to get rid of the stench. This might mean that your AC is actually damaged.
If you suspect that your AC might be broken or failing, call a professional. Acme AC is ready to provide professional AC repair to get your system back up and running!
Your AC Is Leaking Fluid
If what you’re smelling is exhaust fumes, your AC might be suffering from a leak. Some ACs can experience issues with leaking fluid.
This is another problem that a professional HVAC technician can help with!
Your Ducts Might Contain A Dead Animal
Though it’s not a pleasant idea, it’s entirely possible for a wild animal to die in your ductwork and cause your AC to smell. This might produce an odor akin to rotten eggs or garbage.
If you suspect an animal may have died in your AC, the first thing you should do is turn off your system. Call in a professional to assess the situation and help you get rid of the problem.
Your Home Might Have A Gas Leak
If you smell a skunk-like odor, your home system might be experiencing a dangerous gas leak! Methyl mercaptan, a gas that smells like skunk spray, is unpleasant and very threatening to your health. Gas companies add this chemical into the otherwise odorless natural gas as a safety measure in case of gas leaks.
Temporarily evacuating your home is the safest thing to do in this situation. Call an HVAC professional immediately to investigate and make sure your home is safe.
Let Acme AC Help Your Home
Fixing your AC is not always simple. Some problems are not only difficult but also dangerous for your health. Seeking out a professional is the best way to make sure any problem with your AC is properly resolved.
Acme Air Conditioning & Heating provides the professional AC repair you need to keep your AC in top shape! Have you wondered, “Is there an HVAC company near me I can always turn to”? Worry not, you’ve found it!
With more than two decades of experience, we’ll make sure your Longview home is ready for every East Texas season. Contact us today so we can get started!