Why Your Air Conditioner Smells Bad When It’s Turned On

Causes & Solutions to a Smelly AC

Strange odors emanating from your air conditioner can quickly transform your indoor environment from one of cooling comfort to an unpleasant and smelly space. Understanding the root cause of odors in your air conditioner is important not only for your comfort but also for your health and safety.

In this blog post, the cooling experts at Arctic Air Conditioning cover the various reasons why your air conditioner may smell bad and provide tips on how to address these issues so you can regain total comfort and functionality.  

What Can Cause Your AC To Smell

Air conditioners can start to stink for many different reasons, the most common of which include:

Dirty Filters

One of the most common causes of bad odors from an air conditioner is a dirty air filter. Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on the filter, leading to a musty smell when the AC is turned on. Not only does a dirty filter affect the smell, but it also reduces the efficiency of your air conditioner and can lead to poor indoor air quality.

Mold & Algae

Another common cause of foul odors is when mold and algae grow in the drain pan of your air conditioner. This area of your AC is a breeding ground for mold and algae, especially in New Jersey’s humid conditions. When these microorganisms grow in the drain pan, they can produce a musty or moldy odor that circulates through your home each time you switch the unit on. This is not only unpleasant but can pose health risks, especially for household members with respiratory sensitivities.

Electrical Issues

A burning smell coming from your air conditioner is typically due to an electrical failure within your system, such as a wiring problem or a malfunctioning motor. Electrical issues can be serious and even pose a fire hazard, so it’s important to address them promptly.

Refrigerant Leaks

If your air conditioner emits a chemical smell, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. Refrigerants have a distinct, often sweet smell, and exposure to these chemicals can be harmful. A refrigerant leak not only affects the performance of your AC but also poses environmental and health risks.

Air Conditioning Odor Remediation

Addressing the smell coming from your air conditioner involves a combination of regular maintenance and knowing when to contact a professional. Here’s what to do to make sure your air conditioner keeps smelling fresh:

Change Air Filters Regularly

The easiest and most effective way to prevent bad odors is to change your air filter at the recommended intervals. Depending on the type of filter and the level of use, it’s usually recommended to change or clean your air filter once every 90 days. A clean filter helps maintain good air quality and prevents the buildup of dust and debris for greater energy efficiency and reduced utility bills.

Clean the Drain Pan

Regularly inspect and clean the drain pan and coils of your air conditioner using a mixture of water and mild detergent. This can help prevent the growth of mold and algae. Ensure the drain pan is dry to avoid promoting future mold growth.

Schedule Professional AC Maintenance

While many things can be done yourself, some issues require professional expertise. Schedule annual maintenance checks for your air conditioner to identify and fix potential problems before they escalate into major issues.

Address Electrical Failures Immediately

If you notice a burning smell, turn off your air conditioner immediately and contact a professional. Electrical issues can be dangerous and should not be handled without proper training and equipment.

Choose Arctic Air for All Your AC Needs

If you smell something unpleasant coming from your air conditioner, Arctic Air Conditioning is here to help. Whether your system needs a simple tune-up or you need 24/7 emergency air conditioning repairs, we’ll be there to deliver the lasting solutions you need to regain total functionality without the foul odor.

Schedule air conditioning repair or maintenance in Old Bridge or the surrounding areas by contacting Arctic Air today!