4 Different Air Conditioner Smells & What They Mean

You don’t have to worry about your air conditioner if it’s operating properly and there’s nothing amiss with it. In other words, there should be no odd noises or smells when you’re using it. Remember that, like the rest of your appliances and home features, whether it’s your water heater or dishwasher, good maintenance is highly essential. In this post, we share a list of the usual air conditioner smells you should be aware of and how to get rid of them: 

Gas. If you notice that your appliance smells like rotten eggs, there could be a natural gas leak, which can be extremely dangerous. Once you’ve checked your air conditioner and confirmed that the sulfur odor is coming from it, shut off your gas supply and immediately call your gas company, then get out of the house.

Vinegar. This acidic odor might be caused by too much condensation, or worse, a clogged drain line. You’ll also want to verify if the ductwork is causing this smell. It’s ideal to have your filter checked as well. Get in touch with your go-to HVAC repair team to fix it.

Burning plastic. If there’s a burning smell, it’s likely there’s an electrical problem. First verify if the fan belt is in good condition. You can also check if the motor needs lubrication. Meanwhile, if your capacitor is broken due to overheating, don’t forget to turn off your air conditioner when not in use. 

Above all, homeowners should practice proper cleaning and maintenance to avoid such circumstances. Professionals urge homeowners to have at least monthly or quarterly inspections to guarantee not only the cleanliness of your air conditioner but also the safety of everyone in your home. 

For more information about air conditioning and to get the best HVAC services in VA, call Thomas J. Fannon & Sons at (571) 520-4353. We also provide fuel oil and free estimates here.