An AC comes in handy during the summer when the outdoor temperatures are quite soaring. But, it can be disappointing when you retreat indoors to find the AC blowing smelly air. Sometimes, this may result from a system malfunction, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. Since these smells can adversely affect your health, you must engage an AC service technician to evaluate your unit and remedy the cause of the smell for seamless operation. The following are common types of AC odors you may experience. 

Rotten Egg Smell

If you notice a rotten egg odor, you could have a gas leak in your home. Note that this occurs when the gas supply line running close to ducts sustains damage or deteriorates. As a result, the gas can leak and infiltrate air circulation in ductwork through narrow openings. More so, since the providers of this utility may infuse an additive in the gas to give it a unique smell, you will experience a rotten egg smell from the vents. 

Musty Smells

Note that the humidity levels rise significantly inside your house when heat waves are prevalent. This leads to moisture creeping into the ducts, creating wet areas for mold to thrive. Consequently, the unit will emit a musty smell due to the mold spores circulating in the ducts. On the other hand, if your drain line clogs with dirt and grime, it may cause a water back-up. As a result, mold will grow in the drip pan, leading to musty smells when the blower is circulating air. Since prolonged inhalation of mold spores may lead to respiratory complications, you should hire an AC service expert to clean your system.

Burning Odor

Your unit will emit a burning plastic odor when it experiences an electrical malfunction. This occurs when there is a power surge or short circuit, causing the electrical components to burn. For instance, voltage spikes can fray wires where the plastic insulation melts down. Consequently, you will notice a burning plastic smell from the vents. In such a case, you should employ the services of an AC specialist to rectify the electrical malfunction and install a surge protector.

Exhaust Odor

Although an AC does not have an engine, you may occasionally notice exhaust smells from the vents. This happens when oil leaks into the motor, causing it to overheat and produce exhaust fumes. The good news, an air conditioning service specialist can fix the motor and ensure the oil does not leak.

A smelly AC distorts the indoor ambiance. Thus, you should schedule regular AC tune-ups to ensure your system delivers maximum cooling output without noticeable odors.

Contact a local air conditioning service to learn more.

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