Table of Contents:
- Have You Located a Smell Coming From Your AC? Where to Start
- Musty or Moldy Smells From Your Air Conditioner
- Burning or Electrical Smells From Your AC
- Chemical or Refrigerant Smells
- Normal Seasonal Smells vs Warning Signs
- AC Repairs that Fix Odor Problems
- When It’s Time for a New AC System
- Schedule Your Diagnostic and AC Service Today with Evergreen
Have You Located a Smell Coming From Your AC? Where to Start
If your air conditioning system is producing an unpleasant smell, there may be a problem with the unit. Knowing the types of smells your AC may have and what they mean will help you determine when to contact a professional for a complete inspection or repair to your AC unit.
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Musty or Moldy Smells From Your Air Conditioner
A musty or moldy smell from an air conditioning system generally indicates bacterial growth and excessive moisture, which creates an environment for mold to grow as well.
Causes
- Clogged or dirty air filter: If filters aren’t changed often enough, dust and moisture can build up in the air conditioning system, creating a breeding ground for mold.
- Blocked drain line or pan: If water cannot drain properly from the air conditioning unit, water from that drainage will back up and encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
- Low airflow or clogged ducts: Air that has not been moving in the duct system can have a musty/damp smell because it has been contained within the duct system for too long.
Is It Safe?
While a musty or moldy smell from an air conditioning unit is not immediately harmful, continuous exposure to mold spores can aggravate existing allergies and make them worse. It is definitely best to address these types of odors as soon as possible so that you can provide your family with good indoor air quality at home.
Burning or Electrical Smells From Your AC
A burning or electrical odor is something you shouldn’t ignore.
Causes
- Overheated wiring or components: If you smell something burning like plastic or electrical wiring it is usually an indication that the wires and electrical components are getting too much heat.
- Motor or fan issues: Another possibility of smelling burnt plastic is when the bearings of the motor are worn out or when the motors are failing, resulting in friction burning.
- Debris in the system: If there is any debris caught in the blower or in the coils, such as leaves, insulation, or other objects, then this can heat up and produce a burning smell.
Is It Safe?
When there is an electrical or burning smell coming from your HVAC system, it may indicate a fire hazard. If you experience this type of odor, turn off your HVAC system immediately and contact Evergreen Heating & Cooling for a professional inspection and repair.
Chemical or Refrigerant Smells
Chemical or sweet syrup-like odors typically indicate more serious issues with the AC unit’s internal workings.
Causes
- Refrigerant leaks: A refrigerant leak will smell either sweet (like syrup) or chemical in nature.
- Burnt chemical smell: If the capacitor, circuit board or insulation gets too hot from electrical overload, it may produce a sweet or chemical odor.
- Cleaning chemicals or fumes: If you had your AC unit cleaned with a professional cleaner or used chemicals to treat the unit recently, it is possible to have residual odors afterwards.
Is It Safe?
Refrigerant leaks can be harmful to breathe in, and will also decrease the performance of the AC unit. If you suspect a refrigerant leak or chemical smell in your HVAC system, call Evergreen Heating & Cooling right away. Our technicians are trained to detect leaks and repair them safely.
Normal Seasonal Smells vs Warning Signs
When you switch on your air conditioner for the first time in the Spring, it’s perfectly normal for it to give off a slight smell; this usually comes from the dust that has built up on the internal parts of the unit over time. If you notice that your unit gives off a strong, lingering or unusual smell continuously, however, you should have it evaluated by a professional before larger issues develop.
AC Repairs that Fix Odor Problems
Evergreen Heating & Cooling has been assisting Connecticut homeowners with these types of service requests for over 30 years. They can assist with eliminating odors coming from your air conditioning and improving how well the AC system operates.
Coil cleaning and mold remediation
Cleaning your evaporator and condenser coils will help get rid of the dirt and moisture that accumulate on those coils so they won’t become food for mold. Cleaning will also improve the ability of the air conditioner to operate efficiently by increasing airflow across the coils.
Electrical inspections and component replacement
If you have smells coming from your air conditioner that are electrically burned or otherwise may indicate an electrical issue present in your air conditioner, the technician will check the electrical wiring, capacitors, and motors for potential failure so they can replace components before they fail and ensure safe operation.
Refrigerant leak detection and repair
Evergreen’s technicians will use specialized shape and equipment to locate refrigerant leaks and repair them, properly charge the air conditioner with the correct amount of refrigerant, and return the air conditioning to proper cooling; eliminating any chemical odors created by improper refrigerant. This will provide you with a complete restoration of your air conditioner and all air conditioning benefits.
When It’s Time for a New AC System
Old or failing air conditioning systems can sometimes cause an accumulation of bad odors. If you have an older air conditioning unit that has not been providing sufficient cooling and is in need of many repairs, it may be more financially practical for you to purchase an energy-efficient air conditioning unit. Evergreen Heating & Cooling offers a complete line of energy-efficient products, including air conditioning systems, as well as installation services for new systems to meet the needs of each individual.
Schedule Your Diagnostic and AC Service Today with Evergreen
If you have an air conditioning unit that has an unusual odor, don’t wait until it is too costly to repair. The team at Evergreen Heating & Cooling has decades of experience and know what they need to do to get your air conditioning unit back up and running correctly.
Contact Evergreen Heating & Cooling today to schedule an appointment for air conditioning diagnosis and repair services. Good quality indoor air begins with an air conditioning unit that is correctly maintained!
