When a bad smell is in your house, your nose may prompt you to open a window and hope for the best. But when the foul odor is coming from your air conditioner, you may have a bigger problem on your hands, requiring professional air conditioner service. As the leading HVAC contractors of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Kool­-Wave Air Conditioning & Heating highlights some common smells indicating AC problems and what may be causing them.

5 Foul HVAC Odors That May Require Air Conditioner Service

1. Rotten Eggs

Sometimes, homeowners will turn on their central air for the first time in the summer, only to discover a rotten egg smell coming through the vents. The good news is this smell isn’t usually a sign of a broken AC. The bad news is it could mean a rodent or pest crawled into your air ducts and died. In this instance, it’s best to contact a professional for duct cleaning.

2. Smoke

One of the more common smells signaling major AC problems is smoke. Usually, a smoky smell means an internal component, such as a motor or fan, or electrical wiring is damaged. If ignored, this can lead to a fire risk. If you notice this smell, shut off the system immediately until you get insight from an air conditioning repair specialist.

3. Dirty Socks

When an air conditioner has drainage issues or is connected to leaky duct work, you may notice a moldy or mildew scent that smells like dirty socks. Since the problem stems from moisture-related issues, it could indicate a risk of mold or mildew spores being dispersed through your home. Sometimes, this problem can be fixed by emptying out the AC’s drainage pan. However, in other cases, you’ll need to consult a professional for AC repair or deep cleaning.

4. Skunk

If a skunk odor continues to stick around your home when you run your air conditioner, an animal may not be the cause. Instead, it could be due to a potential gas leak affecting your HVAC system. This scent is usually added to gas supplies by natural gas providers to help consumers detect the presence of a leak. Since this can be dangerous, it’s recommended for you to evacuate the home and seek out emergency assistance to track down the source.

5. Exhaust Fumes

When you smell something resembling car exhaust fumes coming from your air conditioner, the appliance could have an engine problem. Typically, this odor forms when an engine experiences a fluid leak, which is problematic if it’s not repaired quickly.

If you notice these strange AC odors or you’re having any other problems with your cooling system, don’t hesitate to call a trusted air conditioner service. Offering responsive air conditioning repair and replacement in Mohave County, Kool­-Wave Air Conditioning & Heating will pinpoint the sources of these smells and fix them. To schedule service or request a free quote, call (928) 855-5665, or send a message here.