In the summer months, a properly functioning air conditioner is a nonnegotiable. You want your home to be cool and comfortable at the hottest time of the year! If you have an older home with a unit that hasn’t been serviced recently, you might be wondering “why does my AC smell?” A funky smell can cause discomfort in your home and can indicate a need for cleaning and service.
AC Smells: Potential Causes
There are several potential reasons your air conditioner might be producing an unpleasant smell.
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- Mold and moisture: A musty, mildew smell could indicate moisture where it shouldn’t be. This could be caused by a leak in the unit itself, or a leak in your home near a vent. Either way, we can come in and take a look.
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- Damage from dust and debris: If you smell burning, contact us immediately. This could be caused by dirt and dust that have built up around components of your unit that get hot. If these catch fire, it could be dangerous for your family.
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- Refrigerant leaks: The chemical that cools the air in your unit could be making you wonder “why does my AC smell?” Leaking refrigerant can smell mildly chemical, or like sulfur or rotting eggs.
Why Does My AC Smell Musty
A musty smell from your air conditioner can be unpleasant, and sometimes a minor smell is common if the unit hasn’t been used in a while. However, a persistent smell can be a sign of a problem. Getting your unit serviced regularly helps detect problems before they become disasters. Things like duct cleaning and seasonal maintenance are great ways to prevent smells from occurring.
If you’re experiencing a musty smell, we can take a look at your system and see what the problem is. We’ll ask you to describe the smell and when you first noticed it, then get some information about your unit. Things like age and last date of maintenance can give us clues about why your AC smells.
Give Us a Call Today
Many unusual AC smells need to be addressed by a professional. Not only are they uncomfortable to experience, they can indicate a problem that will get worse over time. Make sure you’re staying on top of your HVAC maintenance — call Oregon Climate Tech at 503-505-2172 today!