In a home, the HVAC system can be one of the most widely used but also often ignored appliances, but if it stops working, this can make your home feel very uncomfortable. If you encounter any unusual air conditioner smells, this is a good sign that your system needs servicing.
The following can help you learn more about diagnosing odd smells coming from your air conditioner. For more information or for professional help in St. Louis, contact the heating & air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons today!
What Is that Smell Coming from My Air Conditioner?
Some of the most common air conditioner smells that you should look out for are as follows.
Rotten Egg Air Conditioner Smells
This air conditioner smell can be an indicator that there is a gas leak somewhere. As this smell may just be pushed around your home by the ductwork and not from your AC system itself, it is not a smell to take lightly. All the windows should be opened and the gas company called while you wait outside. These aromas were added to natural gas to alert homeowners of leaks.
Electrical Air Conditioner Smells
One of the primary air conditioner smells you may notice is a smell like the system is overheating. If you smell this, it probably is. You should turn off your system immediately to prevent any further damage and for your overall safety.
Once turned off you can check the air filter to see if it is dirty or if there is anything blocking the air flow. If your air filters are fine, you will have to call a professional, as these air conditioner smells are good indicators that something is wrong with wiring or the motor.
Mold or Musty Smell
These are the most common air conditioner smells and are not necessarily indicative of problems with your system.
When the system is running, a significant amount of condensation can build up within it. If the system is not allowed to drain correctly, the water can flow into ducts or other areas and create mold spots. A quick fix is to simply find the moldy areas and give them a good clean. However, professional technicians should be called to get to the root cause of the problem and this from re-occurring.
Oil Air Conditioner Smells
These air conditioner smells can occur for two reasons. One, there is an actual oil leak, which can be easily found by drips of oil that have accumulated somewhere. A fix for this may be as simple as tightening a fitting. Although this sort of problem is not dangerous, it is advisable to make sure a qualified technician undertakes this type of repair.
The second way this smell can occur is if the oil burner is not functioning as it should. There are a few reasons for this, but most likely it is a faulty fuel pump or a burner that has become blocked or clogged. If you notice this smell, you should look for signs of smoke and soot – these indicate more serious problems and the assistance of qualified HVAC technicians is required.
Noticing Strange Air Conditioner Smells? Call Us Today!
If you have noticed your air conditioner is emitting unusual smells, contact the St. Louis heating & air conditioning pros at Galmiche & Sons today at 314-993-1110 to schedule an HVAC maintenance checkup!
