What's That Smell? 3 Explanations For AC Odors
Your family's reliance on air conditioning likely increases the closer it gets to summer. Rising temperatures increase the demand for air conditioning that can keep your home's interior cool and comfortable.
An air conditioning system that is working properly will operate without being intrusive. Sudden foul odors coming from your air conditioning system could be an indication that the system is in distress.
The next time you smell one of these three AC odors, contact your HVAC technician immediately to make repairs.
1. Gym Sock Smell
Have you ever left a pair of sweaty gym socks in a bag, only to open the bag days later and be greeted by a foul odor? This same type of smell can be emitted by your air conditioning system.
The primary reason you would smell an odor that is reminiscent of gym socks is that bacteria are growing on the condenser coils within your AC unit. The condenser coils are responsible for helping to facilitate the transfer of heat. The moisture that is created as a result of this cooling process can contribute to bacterial growth.
Your HVAC technician will need to thoroughly clean and sanitize the condenser coils to eliminate odor-generating bacteria.
An added benefit of the cleaning process is an increase in the efficiency of your AC system's cooling process, which can reduce your monthly energy costs over time.
2. Burning Smell
One of the more disturbing odors that can come from your home's air conditioner is a burning smell. Unfortunately, this smell is the result of something burning—usually your blower motor.
Once the condenser coils have cooled the air inside the AC unit, the blower motor pushes this cooled air into your home's air ducts. Blower motors can become worn or damaged over time.
Your AC system might not be large enough for your home, causing the motor to work harder than it should. The motor could be lacking proper lubrication, causing it to overheat while in use.
Regardless of the cause of the malfunction, a damaged blower motor can seriously compromise the comfort of your home. You should shut down your AC system and have an HVAC technician service the blower motor immediately if a burning smell starts to permeate your home when your AC is in use.
3. Exhaust Smell
Your air conditioner unit has the potential to emit an odor that is similar to the exhaust fumes that come from your car. Exhaust smells in your AC system are usually generated by fluid leaks.
A series of flexible plastic hoses transport liquid refrigerant, water, and other fluids throughout the condenser unit. Should these hoses become damaged, the fluids within can leak out onto one of the motorized components in the condenser unit. Heat from a motor will transform the liquid into a gas, which will create the exhaust smell you may notice in your home.
Your HVAC technician will be able to identify the source of the fluid leak and make any repairs needed to preserve the integrity of your AC system. Schedule a service appointment immediately if you detect an exhaust smell coming from your air conditioner.
Your nose can be a valuable tool when it comes to assessing the health of your AC system. The smell of gym socks, burning, or exhaust fumes can indicate that your AC system is in distress. Work closely with your HVAC repair specialist to identify the source of any abnormal smells coming from your AC unit so that you can invest in repairs quickly. The faster you address odor-causing issues, the less damage your air conditioning system will sustain over time. Contact a company that offers air conditioning services to learn more.