Why Does My Air Conditioner Stink in Charleston, SC?

A smelly air conditioner can lead to uncomfortable conditions inside your Charleston, SC home. From subtle to full-blown disgusting, there are several smells you might notice from your AC when there’s a problem. Read the list below and learn about some of these odors and what might be the cause of them.

Fire or Burning

If something smells like fire or burning inside your air conditioner, you may have a hazardous malfunction. Loose or damaged wiring can get hot and other components are susceptible to overheating. Immediately turn your AC off and call our service techs.

Dirty Socks

The aroma of stinky socks may indicate bacteria or other growth inside the condenser of your AC. Professional cleaning is essential to clear up this smell.

Exhaust Fumes

If you smell something similar to the exhaust fumes from a vehicle but it’s coming from your air conditioner, you might have a refrigerant leak. When fluid drips onto the hot motor or other warm components, it creates an exhaust odor. Call for repairs to stop the refrigerant leak and the smell.

Trash

An air conditioner or conditioned cold air from the vents that smells like trash indicates something foreign and rotten somewhere in the system. This smell might be due to debris inside the system or air ducts. Small critters may also be to blame as they look for a place to hunker down inside your air conditioner and never make it back out.

Rotten Eggs

If your system smells strongly of rotten eggs or sulfur, leave the house immediately. Although natural gas has no smell, many utility providers use additives that cause it to smell like rotten eggs so that it’s noticeable. Call your utility company and our technicians right away if you smell rotten eggs.

Avoid terrible smells when you cool your home this spring by calling us at the first sign of a problem. Contact M&B Heating & Air today for AC repairs. Keep your Charleston home cool, comfortable and odor-free.

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