Why Does My Air Conditioner Stink?

Is there anything worse than coming home to your Fredericksburg home only to realize that your air conditioner has filled your home with a putrid odor? In our years of service, we have dealt with some foul air conditioner situations. In this article, we’ll try to answer the question, “Why does my air conditioning sink?”

If It Smells Like Mildew

As the most common smell accompanying cold air from an AC unit, a moldy odor typically means mildew or fungus is growing in or around the air conditioner. In addition to cooling the air in your home, air conditioners also remove excess moisture. If it’s not drained away properly, mold may begin to grow on areas with lingering moisture. Even a dirty filter can cause the smell of mildew to waft from supply registers.

If It Smells Like Rotten Eggs

A dead animal is the most common cause of a rotten, spoiled egg smell coming from the air vents. An injured or sick animal may have climbed inside an air duct during the winter, where it died and began decomposing. Then, when you turn on your AC for the first time in the summer, a pungent odor ruins the effect of cool air entering your home.

If It Smells Like Sewage

This odor may be emanating from a backed-up sewer line or ruptured sewer vent pipe near your duct system. All it takes is a little methane gas from the sewage leak to get into the ductwork and your entire home may smell like a sewer: not fun.

If It Smells Like Gunpowder

A shorted-out circuit board or fan motor may send a gunpowder smell out of the supply registers when the air conditioner initially cycles on. A professional can take a look at your system and recommend replacing aging parts if necessary.

Call Robert B Payne, Inc. Today

Give our experienced professionals a call at 540-373-5876 to learn more about our products and services to Fredericksburg residents and the nearby communities.