Why does my air conditioning smell?
Air Conditioning units are often considered one of the most important purchases for any property. However, they will only work at their best if taken proper care of. An ignored or dirty AC unit can lead to some smelly air con, most common is air conditioning smelling like vinegar, across your building. But, what does this air conditioning smell mean?
Read on to learn about the how and why your air conditioning unit may be emitting bad odours, and how Meridian Cooling can get your AC back to running at its odourless optimum.
My air conditioning smells like feet
One of the complaints with smelly air con is that it smells like feet.
Air conditioners work by converting hot air into cold, causing condensation and little water droplets forming inside your unit. These droplets should drain out via the AC duct, but leftover water or moisture can cause fungus, mould and bacteria to grow. This mouldy funk tends to smell like a pair of very worn and dirty socks.
Smell dirty socks in your property? Contact us to get the mould removed from your AC.
My air conditioning smells like vinegar
One of the most common issues reported is air conditioning smelling like vinegar.
If your air conditioner smells like vinegar, it's most likely due to accumulated organic materials stuck in the ventilation system or air filter.
This creates a perfect environment for mould and bacteria to grow, left unchecked, creating a sour, vinegar like smell that can quickly infect your property causing much discomfort.
Common causes of the vinegar smell include:
Clogged air filters
Mould or mildew growth
Dirty condensates drain line
Leaking refrigerant
Broken or malfunctioning parts
Excess condensation
Regular maintenance and cleaning should prevent these issues helping you avoid the vinegar smell.
Meridian Cooling can help with any maintenance or repairs you may need should your air conditioning smell like vinegar.
My air conditioning smells like rotten eggs?
One of the worst smelly air con complaints is that it smells like rotten eggs.
If you smell spoiled, rotten eggs every time you turn the air con on, it's most probably because of a dead insect or animal stuck somewhere inside your AC unit.
Spiders, rats, and even small birds can get caught and trapped somewhere deep in an air conditioner, and over time unfortunately die and decompose inside. This will result in your AC releasing a horrendous smell, and it's best to sort this out as soon as you can, otherwise diseases could spread.
Contact us today if your air con smells like rotten eggs.
My air conditioning smells like mildew
The smell of mildew around your property is usually caused by a drain duct problem with the AC system.
If water droplets cannot be filtered out of the machine due to a drain blockage, then the system malfunctions, resulting in a horrible, lingering spongy aroma.
Like with the dirty socks and air conditioning smelling like vinegar smells, this can also lead to mould, bacteria and other germ growth, which adds to the smelly air con, so it's best to ensure regular air conditioning cleaning to prevent such issues.
My air conditioning smells like gas
Smelly air con can be a sign of danger and should be sorted immediately. One smell to look out for is the smell of gas.
A gas-like scent in your building is typically caused by a gas leak in your AC system.
This can become dangerous, so you'd be well advised to evacuate and get the problem addressed as soon as possible.
My air conditioning smells like gun powder
One of the final descriptions of smelly air con is it smelling like gunpowder.
If you notice a burnt, gunpowder like smell, there's a strong possibility that it is a sign of a motor overheating or a circuit board shorting out.
This is another serious problem because it could pose safety risks and potentially damage other parts of your air conditioning system.
Your AC unit will need to be serviced for the odour to be eliminated, as it may need system parts replaced.
How maintenance prevents air conditioning from smelling
Smelly air con is often a signal that your AC unit needs a service, maintenance or clean.
At Meridian Cooling, we have over 30 years of experience assisting properties with Air Con & Ventilation Cleaning, Emergency Repairs and Maintenance.
Our team of technicians are fully qualified and come with a wealth of knowledge in all types of cooling equipment. We have extensive experience assisting residential and commercial properties across Bournemouth, Poole and Southampton, and take pride in giving our customers an efficient, professional service from start to finish.
Get in touch
Whether your air conditionings smells like vinegar, feet, gunpowder or eggs, give us a call today on 01202 658254 or complete our online contact form and we will get back in touch to arrange an appointment.
