With Southern Nevada warming up many homeowners are turning on their air conditioner. For some residents, the longer their air conditioner runs, the more noticeable bad odors become. Bad odors that come from the air conditioner can mean different things and some of them are bad. However, the type of smell can point to different, specific problems. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning will share some of the more common types of odors that comes from an air conditioner and what they mean.

Dirty Sock Syndrome

One smell that is a commonly reported odor coming from the air conditioner is a dirty sock smell. When the air conditioner is producing a dirty sock smell, in most cases the condenser is the culprit. The condenser coils can at times grow bacteria which has a smell similar to that of dirty socks. When the home smells like dirty socks, it is important to have the condenser coils cleaned and sanitized as some bacteria can cause illness.

Burning or Gun Powder Smell from AC

When you smell a burning or gun powder like smell that is coming from the air conditioner, then know this is a very bad sign. As soon as you detect a burning smell, turn off the air conditioner unit right away. There could be a fire and you may even need to call 911 and report a potential fire. If there is no sign of smoke or a fire, keep the air conditioner off and contact an HVAC service to come and inspect the unit for signs of electrical burns. An overheated motor and other types of damage can cause a burning smell.

AC Smells like Exhaust Fumes

Air conditioners can also produce exhaust fumes similar to that of a car. When the home begins to smell like the back end of your car, there is a problem. When there is an exhaust like smell coming from the air conditioning, this can be a fluid leak. When the fluid leaks and lands on the motor or other warmer internal parts, it can emit the exhaust odor. When the air conditioner is leaking fluids it needs to be inspected to repair the leak and ensure there are no other problems.

Home Air Conditioner Smells Bad like Garbage

When the air conditioner is producing a trash like smell, this is often due to the presence of pests. If pests have invaded the attic or air duct system they often bring in trash from the garbage can. Pest problems are rare in southern Nevada and the Las Vegas valley area. However, some neighborhoods are hit hard with roof rats and they can cause the trash or garbage like odors.

AC Smells Musty

If you smell a musty odor coming from the air conditioner there is too high a level of moisture. If there is too much moisture developing in the air ducts, mold and mildew can develop. Both mold and mildew causes a musty like odor. Mold can be hazardous. When there is a musty odor it is important to discover why there is condensation and mold or mildew developing in the air ducts.

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If your air conditioner has any odd odors or you require HVAC services, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning today.