Common Causes and What You Can Do About It
If you’ve recently asked yourself, “Why does my AC smell?”—you’re not alone. Unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioner are more than just annoying. They can signal serious issues ranging from mold growth to electrical problems. At Family Heating and Cooling, we help homeowners across New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Dartmouth, Somerset, and Fairhaven identify and fix AC problems fast—before they become costly repairs.
Let’s break down the most common AC odors and what they mean for your system.
1. Musty or Moldy Smell
A musty odor is often caused by mold or mildew in the air conditioner or ductwork. Moisture can build up inside your AC system and create the perfect environment for mold to grow, especially if your system hasn’t had regular AC maintenance or filter changes.
To prevent this, schedule seasonal tune-ups and have your ducts inspected. If mold has already formed, we can provide full AC cleaning services to improve your indoor air quality and eliminate odors.
2. Burning Smell
A burning odor can signal an electrical issue, such as a worn-out motor, overheating wire, or bad capacitor. If your system emits a burning plastic or electrical smell, turn it off immediately and contact us for AC repair. We will inspect it before further damage occurs.
3. Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smell
This smell usually indicates a natural gas leak, which is a serious safety hazard. If you smell rotten eggs near your HVAC system and it’s connected to a gas furnace or gas-powered AC, evacuate your home and call your utility provider. Once it’s safe, our licensed technicians can inspect your unit and make any necessary furnace repairs.
4. Dirty Socks Smell
Yes, “dirty sock syndrome” is a real thing! It typically results from bacteria growing on your evaporator coils. This often occurs when the system hasn’t been cleaned regularly. Our air conditioning cleaning services can eliminate this issue and restore clean, fresh airflow in your home.
5. Sewage or Dead Animal Odor
If your AC smells like sewage or something dead, it could mean there’s a pest or plumbing issue affecting your ductwork or air handler. Our team can inspect your system thoroughly to find the source and remove any contaminants, followed by a deep clean to ensure safe air quality.
How to Prevent AC Odors
Routine AC tune-ups are the key to keeping your system running cleanly and efficiently. During a tune-up, we:
- Clean or replace air filters
- Inspect evaporator coils
- Check for mold or debris
- Ensure proper drainage
- Look for electrical issues
We proudly provide reliable HVAC services in Westport, Raynham, Acushnet, Seekonk, Swansea, and Dighton, with fast response times and transparent pricing.
Stop Wondering “Why Does My AC Smell?”—Let’s Fix It Today
Don’t ignore strange AC odors—they rarely go away on their own and often signal larger problems. Whether you need emergency repairs, coil cleaning, or mold remediation, Family Heating and Cooling is here to help. Fill out an online form or give us a call today!
FAQs
How do I get rid of the smell in my air conditioner?
Start by replacing your air filter and checking for any visible signs of mold or mildew inside the unit. A deep cleaning of your evaporator coils, condensate drain line, and ductwork may also be necessary. If the odor persists, it could be due to a more serious issue like bacteria buildup, mold growth, or a failing component, which may require professional air conditioning maintenance or repair.
Is bad AC smell harmful?
Yes, in some cases. A musty or moldy AC smell could indicate mold spores in your ductwork or on your coils, which may lead to respiratory issues, especially for those with allergies or asthma. Burning or chemical odors might signal an electrical problem or refrigerant leak, both of which can pose health and safety risks. It’s important not to ignore these smells.
What does mold in AC smell like?
Mold in your AC unit typically smells musty, damp, or like wet socks. Some people describe it as an earthy or stale odor that worsens when the system kicks on. This is often due to trapped moisture in the evaporator coils or ductwork, which allows mold and mildew to grow and spread through your home’s air.
How to get rid of musty smell coming from air vents?
To remove the musty smell from air vents, start by inspecting your system for mold, mildew, or standing water. Clean or replace air filters, check the condensate drain line for clogs, and have your evaporator coils professionally cleaned. A full AC system inspection and duct cleaning may be needed if the smell persists.
What does freon smell like?
Freon (or refrigerant) has a chemical odor that’s often described as sweet, chloroform-like, or similar to nail polish remover. If you notice this smell, especially near your vents or AC unit, it could indicate a refrigerant leak. Freon exposure can be dangerous, so turn off your unit and contact a professional for AC repair right away.
Need help with a smelly air conditioner? Family Heating and Cooling is here to help with expert diagnostics, professional AC cleaning, and repair services.
