An air conditioner is a piece of complex machinery that makes our lives bearable throughout the year. Since they are used extensively, some of them break like any regular appliances. There are various parts that can break, some are easy to notice, and others are more difficult. A few signs will quickly make you realize that something is wrong with your AC.
According to Lee Heating and Cooling, one of the easiest ways to notice something wrong with the AC is the foul smell. An awful odor can be caused by various reasons and, in some situations, can be fixed by the owners, but in some others cases, professional repair is necessary.
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Usually, to avoid problems like this when the smell makes it impossible to stay in the house, owners can provide periodic maintenance to the AC unit. There are specific steps to fix the issue for each type of bad smell. Below is a list of the most common ones and how they get fixed.
A Burnt Smell
If you smell anything similar to burning rubber or plastic, you should take action immediately. That smell indicates electrical failure and that components have been burnt. You should unplug the unit fast and open the windows because this smell can harm the respiratory system. It can even lead to carbon monoxide emissions, which can be fatal in high quantities.
Professionals must check the AC unit, the broken parts need to be replaced, and most importantly, the wires need to be checked. Wiring is essential because they are the reason for the burning smell. They need to be correctly connected and isolated. You can check the socket as well, to see if something is wrong with it that affected the electrical power sent to the AC and produced the burnt smell.
In some situations, this smell can come from burnt dust. This typically happens when the unit has not been turned on for a long period of time, so dust settles in the unit. The easy fix is to clean it properly and blow away the dust. You should keep in mind that when doing any maintenance or repair to the appliance, it should be unplugged from the electrical source. This will decrease the risk of accidents.
The Smell of Sewage
The smell of sewage is an awful experience, but unfortunately is one of the most common reasons why ACs produce offensive odors. The good part is that this issue usually has an easy fix and often doesn’t require the intervention of technicians. This smell is most likely coming from clogged pipes or water in the system that became stale. Draining the water should be enough to fix the issue of this type of bad smell. To unclog the pipes, certain chemical products will do the trick. If they remain clogged, professionals might be needed to fix the problem.
A Rotten Smell
Only one reason can produce such a smell. Usually, it is a dead animal stuck inside the AC. Also, insects can crawl into the AC and stick to the filters, which can cause this odor.
To get rid of the smell, you need to clean the whole unit thoroughly. It is also suggested to change the filters and add fresheners. Adding filters with fresh scents or even car fresheners can make the entire house smell pleasant.
The Smell of Fungus
If you smell fungus or mildew, it is essential to fix the issue as soon as possible. Mold can be dangerous for the respiratory system and can spread throughout the house and create more damage.
To clear the mold from the AC, you have to use special products because it will not go away with just water.
Owners should also change the filters because mold will spread quickly, and if it is in the unit, it is definitely on the filters as well.
Car Exhaust Smell
Even though the AC does not use gas, the chemicals inside the unit can smell similar to a gas exhaust. This is a dangerous smell because it means that there is a leak of chemicals inside the unit. To fix this issue, owners should open the AC and check if there are any leaks.
Usually, it is the freon that causes this issue, and it is a dangerous chemical for your health. If the owner does not have extensive knowledge of AC units, hiring professionals for this situation is recommended. They have the proper equipment to change the freon and fix any leaks.
