Your air conditioning system is responsible for circulating cool air throughout your home, keeping you and your family comfortable and refreshed all year long. The last thing your AC system should do is pump out foul or off-putting odors that make you want to flee your home. When strange smells begin seeping out of your vents, it's likely a sign of a more pressing issue within your HVAC system. But don't worry, Spoor's Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Below, we break down the most common AC odors, what they say about the health of your system, and how to get rid of them for good, leaving you with a fresh and odor-free home!
Spoor's Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned AC repair company that provides high-quality HVAC products and services in Auburn, CA, and the surrounding areas! Contact us today to learn more or schedule air conditioning service!
Musty Or Mildewy Odor: A Sign Of Excess Moisture
A musty or mildewy smell emanating from your vents may indicate an excess of moisture in your air conditioning system. This can result in mold or mildew growth in or around your system that can seep into your AC filter and cause a musty smell. Typically, this problem is caused by a clogged or blocked condensate drain, which prevents proper drainage and leads to moisture buildup and a humid environment where fungus can thrive. To fix this, you'll likely need to replace your air conditioner filter and contact one of our experienced HVAC technicians, who can identify and address the cause of the clog.
Sulfuric Smell: Potential Gas Leaks & How To Stay Safe
If you notice your air conditioning system is emitting an odor similar to that of rotten eggs or exhaust fumes, the first thing you should do is open as many windows as possible and have everyone exit your home immediately. These smells could be an indication of a gas leak, so as soon as you safely evacuate your home, you should call the fire department and then your local gas company to report a potential gas leak. The best-case scenario would be that a gas leak isn't causing the smell, but that a rodent or small animal that died in your ductwork is. Only after reporting the potential leak to the appropriate authorities and having your home cleared should you contact our AC technicians to inspect and address this problem.
Burning Scent: An Indication Of Overheating
A burning smell emanating from your air conditioner is a clear indication that something is seriously amiss with your system. If you notice a burning smell, turn off your air conditioner first. Next, check your home and appliances for any signs of a potential fire. If you suspect a fire is anywhere in your home, go outside and call 911. If you don't see any signs of a fire, you should head to your HVAC unit and take a whiff. An intense burning or gunpowder-like scent from your unit could indicate that its circuit board or fan motor has shorted out or overheated. An experienced HVAC technician can help diagnose and address the issue.
Skunk Smell: The Stink Of A Refrigerant Leak
A skunky or chemical odor coming from your air conditioning system is an unpleasant problem you'll undoubtedly want to have remedied as fast as possible. The most likely culprit of a skunky smell is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the substance responsible for cooling the air your system pumps throughout your home, and a leak will not only lead to a bad smell but can impact your system's efficiency and may even lead to health complications if inhaled. Addressing a potentially hazardous issue, such as a refrigerant leak, is best left to an experienced HVAC technician, who can locate and repair the source of the leak.
Keep Your Air Fresh With Spoor's Home Comfort Club
Routine HVAC maintenance is crucial for preventing unpleasant odors from your AC and ensuring your air conditioning system operates efficiently. Spoor's Heating & Air Conditioning's Home Comfort Club is a planned HVAC maintenance program designed to lower your utility bills, extend your system's lifespan, improve your air quality, and provide you with peace of mind.
By joining our Home Comfort Club, you can stay ahead of potential issues and keep your home's indoor air cool, comfortable, and odor-free. From emergency AC repair to routine maintenance, Spoor's Heating & Air Conditioning has got you covered! Contact us today to schedule service or to join the Home Comfort Club!