AC Smells and What To Do About Them

Hot, humid summer days have you inside your home for comfort, but what if your AC unit is pumping strange odors into your home?

Find out what your AC smells mean and what to do about them.

Smell: Musty

If your AC unit emits a musty, dirty sock smell when you first turn it on, it could be due to a buildup of bacteria or mold on the evaporator coil or other areas of the system.

What to do: To fix a dirty sock smell, first change your air filters and then have your ductwork cleaned. If that doesn’t work and the sock smell lingers, call a professional to clean your evaporator coil and drain pan.

Smell: Burning

A burning scent or gunpowder smell doesn’t just indicate something is wrong. It is a sign to call a professional. A burning smell can indicate frayed wiring, an overheated motor, or other electrical issues.

What to do: If you smell burning from your AC system, turn it off immediately and call for emergency HVAC repair.

Smell: Pungent

Your outdoor unit can sometimes be a haven for animals during the winter. Trapped animals might have passed away inside your unit.

What to do: Check your outdoor unit or air vents for critters and remove them.

Smell: Mold or Mildew

One of the most common complaints is AC air that smells moldy or mildew.

What to do: Your AC unit removes humidity to control moisture in your home. However, moisture can collect in the system and foster mold growth, which can create poor indoor air quality. To diagnose and fix a mold or mildew smell, call a professional to determine the source.

Get an Annual AC Inspection From Russo Bros. & Co.

The best way to combat air conditioning smells is to complete an annual inspection. The experts at Russo Bros. & Co. can perform AC maintenance and repairs when you need them most.

If you have a stinky AC situation, contact the Russo Bros. & Co. professionals for a breath of fresh air!