How to Get Rid of a Bad Smell From an Air Conditioner

Do you notice a gross stench coming from your air conditioning system every time you turn it on? Foul-smelling odors often indicate your air conditioner is experiencing a problem, so it’s essential to learn what each smell means. You could have a dirty air conditioner with mold and dirt or a unit that’s leaking refrigerant and requires immediate attention.

If you’re plugging your nose because of your stinky AC, you’ll find this helpful guide essential to finding a solution. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of a bad smell from an air conditioner, then contact On the Double Heating & Cooling. Our business has skilled AC maintenance personnel in Lubbock, TX, and will ensure your air conditioner system is in top shape and odor-free!

If Your Air Conditioner Gives Off a Burning Smell

Burning smells from an AC are often because of an electrical wiring or connection problem. You could have some dust on your unit that’s burning and creating the gross smell. Having a professional take a look is best since handling electrical work is often dangerous and could harm you.

If you notice the burning odor for half an hour or longer, you have an electrical issue on your hands. Contacting a local expert for repair services is key to resolving this problem. They can safely and professionally take care of the smell and help your AC get back to normal.

If Your Air Conditioner Smells Like Rotten Eggs

A rotten egg smell is often a clear indicator that you’re experiencing a natural gas leak, as the odor is so distinct. While a small amount isn’t necessarily harmful, excessive exposure can lead to serious health problems or death. Therefore, taking action as soon as you detect this odor is essential for the health of everyone in your home.

The best action to take is to turn off your gas, leave your property, and connect with a gas company to resolve the issue. While a rotten egg smell might have other origins, it’s still best to treat the situation like an emergency and to act quickly.

If Your Air Conditioner Smells Musty or Moldy

Air conditioners that are idle for several months could exhibit a musty or stale smell when you first turn them on. Giving them a quick cleaning and changing the air filters might do the trick. However, excessive water in your air conditioner can lead to gross mold, mildew, or fungus growth.

You can decrease your chances of experiencing this problem by maintaining your air conditioner. A service technician can help you clean the drain line, refrigerant lines, and ductwork, and they could replace your dirty air filters. In addition, they can clean dirty coils to reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring.

Regardless, if you suspect you have mold in your air conditioner, calling a technician to address it is a good idea. If you’re stumped about how to get rid of a bad smell from an air conditioner, an air conditioning professional will get to the bottom of the issue and help remove the smell.

If Your Air Conditioner Smells Like Cigarette Smoke

When you live in a property with smokers, it’s very likely you will notice the effects. One of the ways this might show up is in your air conditioning system since the particles are circulating through the air. An air conditioner’s coils and air filters accumulate a lot of bacteria and smoke, so keeping your appliance clean is essential to get rid of the smell.

If you don’t address the issue, you’ll notice the foul odor every time you turn your air conditioner on. You should change your air filter once a month or every two months and perform a thorough coil cleaning inside the system.

How to Prevent a Foul-Smelling Air Conditioning System

Improving your property’s indoor air quality starts with clearing your AC unit routinely. This involves the evaporator coils, drip pan, drain line, air filters, and more. You should also book an annual maintenance appointment and use an air purifier to avoid having a gross-smelling air conditioner.

Let On the Double Heating & Cooling Address Your Stinky Air Conditioner in Lubbock, Texas

On the Double Heating & Cooling offers AC repair services and more for residents of Lubbock, Texas. If you’re still unsure how to get rid of a bad smell from an air conditioner, we can help! Call us today at (806) 203-6490 or book a service appointment online.