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6 Reasons Why Your AC Smells Bad and How to Fix It Fast

By HVAC ExpertJuly 21, 2021Air Conditioning Services
AC smells

Are you wondering, “why does my AC smell bad?”

Air conditioners can get a little smelly. And three-quarters of homes in the United States have air conditioners, so that’s a lot of smells out there!

But don’t worry. You don’t have to live with a smelly air conditioner for the rest of your life. Read on for our guide to identifying AC smells and how to fix them.

1. Clean It Out

If your AC smells bad and you’re not sure why, try cleaning it. You need to be regularly cleaning your air conditioner. Otherwise, dirt and mold can build up, which is one way that unfortunate smells can happen.

This is especially important during humid summers in East Texas, where your air conditioner can fill up with water even faster.

Clean out any filters in your air conditioner regularly, to prevent issues like mold or buildup.

2. It’s Broken

If the smell coming from your air conditioner smells like it could be burning, there’s probably a problem. It’s possible that your air conditioner is just overheating — in that case, turn it off, wait, and turn it on in a day or so. If that doesn’t fix the problem, there’s probably a bigger issue.

It could be that one of the parts in your air conditioner is damaged or failing. It could also be a problem with the wiring in the electric system of your air conditioner, that a wire is either damaged or not working at all. 

If anything is broken inside your air conditioner, it’s time to call in the professionals. An air conditioning repair service can help you out with AC repairs.

3. Dead Animals

If an animal dies in your vents, it will eventually start to smell. This can also be dangerous for your health. If you suspect a dead animal is in your vents, turn off your air conditioner and call in an HVAC service to evaluate the situation. 

If they confirm your suspicion, you may have to call in a pest removal service in order to resolve the problem.

So, if the smell in your home resembles garbage or rotten eggs, make sure you stop and call in the professionals as soon as possible.

4. Leaks

Depending on what sort of air conditioner you have, there may be fluid leaking from the unit. If you smell anything that seems similar to exhaust fumes, it could be a sign that there’s a leakage issue with your air conditioner.

If you’re in East Texas, make sure that you call an HVAC company in your area. They can send out a technician and ensure that your air conditioner is back to a tip-top condition in no time at all.

Bad AC Smells? Now You Know Why

Hopefully, you have now figured out exactly what is causing AC smells in your home. If you don’t recognize the smell, or if you think it might be dangerous, it’s probably time to call in the professionals.

Are you looking for air conditioner repair services in East Texas? Contact Best Air and Heat LLC today. We serve the Greater Lake Livingston area, and other areas near there.