During the hottest months of the year, the last thing you want to encounter is issues with your air conditioner. The good news is a lot of common problems with AC units can be fixed by the homeowner. HVAC technicians are in high demand, so you may want to self-diagnose the problem to see if it’s a quick fix. Things like air filters and batteries for the thermostat you can do yourself. But what do you do when the air from the AC smell?
You know, damp, musty smells or even burning odors.
Keep reading to learn when AC odors, leaks, and other HVAC issues can lead to severe issues.
Does Your AC Smell?
If you haven’t turned on your AC in a while, it could emit an odor when booting up. This is typically no cause for concern, especially if the odor quickly fades. However, if you’re running your AC regularly and suddenly smell something, it’s time to take a look.
An AC smell could be a warning sign that something is wrong with the unit. Detecting HVAC problems early can save you money down the road on AC repairs.
Is Something Burning?
An important odor to pay attention to is burning smells. There are times when an AC emits fumes that make it seem as though the AC may be on fire.
If the odor fades, it is probably the heat from the unit burning dust.
Prolonged burning smells could be a warning sign that something is malfunctioning in the unit. Faulty wiring or failing compressors or fans could be the culprit.
Condensation Leaks
Are you getting a smell from your AC unit that smells damp and moldy? This may be the result of a condensation leak. It also means water from the AC is accumulating somewhere.
Check your drain line that leads outdoors for sediment buildup causing a blockage. If there is, clear the blockage and determine what’s causing the problem.
Condensation leaks can end up in the crawl space or behind walls. Left unattended, it can lead to mold and foul odors.
Chemical Smells
Chemical smells and AC smells are not always related. Sometimes it is as simple as having chemicals too close to the AC unit. These items need to be correctly stored.
A Chemical small from the AC unit is cause for concern. Homeowners may not know what does freon smells like. Nor can they detect chemical smells from the AC.
Whether it is a chemical or smells like gas, you should turn off the unit and call an HVAC technician.
Is It Time to Call an HVAC Tech?
Once you pinpoint the cause of an AC smell or leak, contact an HVAC company if you can’t fix the problem. The last thing you want to do is cause additional damage. Leaving the matter unattended could lead to more significant issues.
If you’re in the Livingston, Texas, area, we have you covered. Contact us now or text (936) 213-5116 for all of your air conditioning repair needs.
