Spring has brought warm weather with it and with summer hot on its heels, many people have already resorted to turning on their AC for the first time in months. There are few feelings that can match walking into your home on a hot day and having cool crisp air hit your face. Being able to beat the heat is essential for maintaining comfort in your home, but it may be possible that your comfort is quickly turned into disgust once you turn on your AC. Why? Foul odors may be coming from your AC and it can be for several different reasons.

These smells can be caused by a host of problems ranging from annoyance to danger, so you should have an AC contractor on hand to help diagnose these problems and get you and your family back to the level of relaxation you deserve. UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has helped countless clients with AC repair and want to help answer the question, “Why does my air conditioner smell?”

There are a few common problems that can cause an odor to emanate from your AC. The condition of your air ducts, your AC unit itself, or other external factors can create a stench in your home that can be unpleasant or potentially very unsafe for you and your family. Contacting an AC repair company should always be your first thought when experiencing these issues. We’re going to take some time to highlight some general causes for bad smells from AC. If you find yourself asking any of the following questions, make sure to call a trusted AC contractor like UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.

Why does my air conditioner smell like a skunk?

If you notice a smell like skunk spray that intensifies when your AC is turned on, you need to contact a professional immediately. This could be methyl mercaptan, which smells very similar to skunk spray. Methyl mercaptan is added to natural gas and propane to give it a distinct smell, so that you can detect when there is a gas leak. This can be very dangerous and should be dealt with immediately to keep you and your loved ones out of danger. While it is possible a skunk has made its home in your air duct or even sprayed near your AC unit, you should consult a professional to be sure.

Why does my air conditioner smell like feet?

If you notice that there is an odor that smells like old stinky gym socks, this may be an indication that you have a dirty or clogged air conditioner. It may be possible that there is an issue with water not draining properly from your unit. That water is then left to sit and begin to smell. This can also eventually lead to damage. We can come and clean your unit and let you know whether or not it is in need of a tune-up.

Why does my air conditioner smell like exhaust fumes?

While your air conditioner is not powered by gas, some people will notice a smell that is reminiscent of engine exhaust coming in through the air vents. It may be possible that your air conditioner has a fluid leak. You will want to deal with this sooner rather than later to avoid bigger problems in the future.

Why does my air conditioner smell like something is burning?

If you notice a burning smell when your AC kicks on, you more than likely are dealing with an electrical or mechanical issue. We can send an AC contractor out to identify whether it is a fan, a compressor, a short on a circuit board, or some other problem. Having regular maintenance through a service plan is a great way to prevent this from happening.

Why does my air conditioner smell like rotten eggs?

The cold winter months will cause animals to seek shelter wherever they can, which includes the air ducts in your home. Birds, squirrels, and other small animals can oftentimes nest in your air ducts where they can leave droppings and unfortunately even die. The nests, droppings, or animal remains must be removed from your air ducts and receive a thorough cleaning to get rid of the smell.

If you are currently experiencing any of these smells, contact UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to help with these issues or any other AC repair needs. A knowledgeable and reliable AC contractor can be sent to your home to determine the cause of the smell and fix the problem, so you can enjoy cold air during these warmer months.

Schedule an appointment today to help take care of all of your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs!