Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell?

May 24, 2021

Summers in Belleville, ON, are warm and humid. You’ll need an air conditioning system to help you achieve and maintain a comfortable home. If you start to notice an unusual smell each time your air conditioner cycles, this isn’t normal. There are several reasons why an AC unit smells, and here are a few that may be plaguing your house’s cooling system.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter may cause your air conditioner to produce a burning smell. This is most common when you first turn on your cooling system for the season. A dirty air filter may also create a musty smell in your home. Check and replace the filter monthly.

Buildup on Evaporator Coil

Skipping maintenance could result in buildup on the evaporator coil. If bacteria start growing on the evaporator coil, they may release waste products. Their waste products may have a foul odour that’s similar to old cheese or dirty socks.

Clog in Condensate Drain

The condensate drain allows the humidity condensed from your house’s air to drain into the wastewater system. This warm, wet and dark environment is an ideal breeding ground for mold, mildew, algae and bacteria. If you notice a musty odour, a dirty condensate drain could be to blame.

Refrigerant Leak

If you have an old air conditioner, a refrigerant leak may cause an unusual smell. Air conditioners with Freon as their coolant may produce a sweet odour. The odour of Freon is similar to that of chloroform.

Quinte Air Supply is a trusted provider of air conditioning maintenance in Belleville. You can also turn to us for heating maintenance and air conditioning and heating repair and installation. Our water heaters, indoor air quality solutions, gas fireplaces and sheet metal fabrication services are designed with your comfort in mind. If you’re a business owner in or near Belleville, turn to us for reliable commercial refrigeration services. For more details about why your air conditioner is smelly, get in touch with us at Quinte Air Supply today.

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