Does Your AC smell?

Key Takeaways

• AC smells such as burning, moldy, rotten eggs and exhaust can mean there’s something going on with your HVAC system. It’s important to know why your system is producing these smells and how to prevent them. 
• You can prevent AC odors from occurring by getting routine maintenance and regularly changing the air filters. 

HVAC systems are supposed to keep your home comfortable, and that includes keeping the air in your home fresh. However, sometimes homeowners can experience certain odors coming from their system. Depending on what type of odor is emitted, it can mean many things such as a full drain pan, dirty air filters and more. Here are the most common AC smells and what they mean: 

Types of Smells and What They Mean

Different smells can indicate different causes. Here are the common AC odors and what they mean: 

Burning Smell

If you start to smell something burning coming from your HVAC system, then most likely a component of the system is burning. HVAC systems are complex and have many electrical components that have potential to start burning. The best thing to do if you smell burning, is to shut off your system immediately to avoid further damages or bigger electrical fires. After you shut the system off, contact your trusted HVAC provider to come assess and fix the situation. 

It is crucial that if burning smells are coming from your system, to get it looked at as soon as possible. Prolonging repairs can damage the system further and can result in costly repairs. It is also recommended to avoid any DIY fixes as it can become a dangerous environment that requires a professional.  

If you are just turning your HVAC system on after a long period of time, then you might start to smell burning. This is usually due to the accumulated dust in your system burning off when it gets turned on. If the smell lasts a while, then you should contact the professionals. 

Moldy or Musty Smell

Musty smells are one of the most common AC smells. This odor can happen due to accumulated water in the drain pan or lines, dirty air filters or mold in your ductwork. If you notice moldy smells, it is recommended to change your air filters and check for any visible watermarks or water leakage coming from your condenser. 

If you still can’t find the cause of the musty smell, give The Chill Brothers a call! Their team of experts are skilled in many HVAC solutions including AC smells! The service covers many areas including HVAC repair Austin. 

Exhaust Smell 

Do you notice an exhaust smell when your HVAC system is running? This could be due to a leak in the refrigerant line. Refrigerant is used to cool the outdoor air before flowing inside your home and when there is a leak, it can cause a car exhaust like smell. 

If you suspect that you have a refrigerant leak, it is vital to get it looked at immediately. Refrigerant gasses can become hazardous for the environment. 

Garbage or Rotten Egg Smell 

Think you are smelling trash? It may be your HVAC system! When a garbage or rotten smell comes from your AC, it usually means that there is a dead rodent or other animal in your unit or ductwork. Unfortunately, small animals such as birds, rats, racoons, etc can easily get trapped in the system and over time put off the decomposing smell. 

Precautions 

To prevent your AC from smelling, you can do multiple things including: 

• Regularly changing your air filters: Some smells can occur when the current air filters are full. These air filters are supposed to filter out airborne contaminants and when they get full, it can cause the air to start to smell. It is recommended to change your filters at least once a month. 
• Get preventative maintenance: The best way to ensure your system will run odor free is to get normal maintenance. During regular maintenance such as tune-ups, experts are able to check all components of the system to make sure it is running optimally. This is also a good way to get ahead of any issues that may be present. 

If you are looking for a HVAC maintenance plan, look no further! The Chill Brothers “Chill Preventative Maintenance Plan!” With this plan, you can receive bi-annual tune-ups, priority service and more! Give them a call or visit their website to enroll today! 

Let The Chill Brothers help you with all your HVAC needs, including AC smells!

Francis Kaspar

I’m Francis Kaspar, a 35-year-old HVAC technician with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I hold a certification in HVAC technology from Texas State Technical College, where I gained hands-on skills that shaped my career.

Currently, I’m working at The Chill Brothers, specializing in AC installation, repair, and energy-efficient solutions. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two kids.

I’m also passionate about sharing my HVAC knowledge written by articles that provide practical tips and tricks for homeowners.