Why Does My Charleston, SC, AC Smell Weird?

August 9, 2021

Not every weird smell coming from your AC is cause for alarm. With that said, it’s never pleasant to come home to a smelly air conditioner after a hard day’s work in Charleston, SC. Read our list below to understand which AC smells are serious warning signs and which are just a nuisance.

1. Your AC Smells Like Something Is Burning

This is one of the most serious warning signs on our list. If your air conditioner smells like burnt plastic, then your HVAC system might have an electric problem. Fixing these types of problems can be a dangerous proposition, so we recommend staying away from DIY-troubleshooting methods and calling a professional immediately.

2. Your Air Conditioner Smells Like a Rotten Eggs

If you’re smelling something like rotten eggs or a sulfur smell, your system or another appliance could very well be leaking gas. In fact, utility companies often put special chemicals into the gas line so that you’ll be able to smell a gas leak immediately. A gas leak can be just as dangerous as a serious electrical problem, and you need to shut down your system right away until you have an expert come over and figure out what’s going on.

3. Your AC Smells Like Smoke

An air conditioner that smells like smoke can be distracting and unpleasant. If anybody in your home regularly smokes cigars or cigarettes, then the smoke can get trapped in your AC filters. Simply changing out your AC filters usually fixes the problem.

4. Your AC Smells Like an Exhaust Pipe

A refrigerant leak often produces this type of odor. Refrigerant leaks are dangerous to your HVAC system’s performance and longevity, but they aren’t life-threatening like a gas leak can be. An experienced HVAC professional can fix most refrigerant leaks and recharge the system.

There’s no reason to live with an air conditioner that smells funny. If you recognize one or more of the odors on the list above, then contact our team at AC Heating and Air Conditioning Services to schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment today.

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