If you walk into your air conditioned home and smell an unpleasant odor, there could be many causes. Air conditioners sometimes experience problems that manifest through bad odors. Here is a guide to interpret these warning signs and why you should have your cooling system checked.

Why Does Your Air Conditioner Smell Bad?

1. Dirty Socks

A sweaty or musty smell that resembles dirty socks is usually the result of mold, mildew, or bacteria built up inside your ductwork or HVAC system. Otherwise, there might be sitting water inside that hasn’t drained due to a clogged condensation line. A certified technician problem can fix this issue by cleaning all drain lines, vacuuming and sanitizing the ductwork, and changing filters as needed.

2. Rotten Eggs

A rotten egg odor indicates a pest or small animal has entered the air ducts and died. Birds and rodents are the usual culprits. A professional will need to remove the remains and clean your ducts to remove the foul smell.

3. Burning Odor

Your AC is comprised of many electrical parts that can short circuit or malfunction, producing a burning odor. The system will likely shut down as well until it’s repaired. A repair specialist will inspect the fan motors and circuit boards to find the cause.

4. Exhaust Fumes

Air conditioners aren’t powered by natural gas or other flammable fuels, but they can sometimes give off a similar smell. Parts of your AC contain fluids that can leak and send a gas-like odor through your vents. A professional will repair damaged drain lines or other parts with leaks.

The air conditioning experts at PurAir Hawaii are here to help Honolulu residents stay comfortable and breathe easier at home. Their technicians have 35 years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing air conditioners of all makes and models. Call (808) 589-2712 to request an inspection, or visit them online for more information about their services.