As it gets hotter, you’ll want to use your cooling system to keep you comfortable with the heat. The last thing you want is for your AC unit to have an unusual smell. It will spread across each room through your vents, and some smells can even be signs of a harmful problem.
To protect you and your family, Specialized Mechanical wants to share four smells that you shouldn’t ignore.
Car Exhaust Or Sweet Chemical Smells
A car exhaust smell coming from your HVAC system is a sign that there could be a leak in your refrigerant line. This isn’t the only smell to look out for though! A refrigerant leak can also cause a sweet smell to occur that can be described as chloroform-like.
Refrigerant leaks can be dangerous, so contact our team for an inspection if you smell car exhaust or sweet chemicals. Our experienced technicians can repair a refrigerant leak without hassle to help keep you and your family safe from exposure to this chemical. In the meantime, be sure to vent your home to keep your household from inhaling the chemicals.
Burning Smells
Sometimes, if you turn on your AC unit for the first time in a while, it could smell like something is burning. This could be from dust collecting on the unit. Dust will burn off of the unit when it heats up after use. These kinds of smells are common, and all you have to do is wait for the dust to burn away fully.
Other times, a burning smell could mean your electrical equipment is overheating. Your unit has many electrical components. Some of these components include:
- Wiring
- Fans
- Compressors
- Circuit boards
Any of these parts can overheat when they get older. Contact your technician if you smell a persistent electrical burn smell from your unit because electrical problems can be dangerous
Gas, Or Skunk-Like Smells
Natural gas doesn’t have its own smell, so utility companies will add methyl mercaptan into the gas to create a recognizable odor. If you smell a skunk-like or rotten egg-like smell, that could be the methyl mercaptan, meaning you have a gas leak in your home. Your AC’s job is to circulate air throughout your home, so this can help spread the smell of the natural gas.
If you smell this odor, immediately shut off your AC system and your gas supply. Then evacuate your home and call a professional for help as gas leaks can be very dangerous.
Moldy Or Musty Smells
If your AC smells musty, it could be from high moisture levels. Moisture can build up in your system from water leaks or humidity problems. This could lead to an unpleasant, musty smell for your household. If you have moisture build-up in your home, you could have mold and mildew growth in your vents.
Your systems must be properly cleaned out to remove the smell in your home. This can include changing out your air filters and removing any growth in your system. Our team can help you clean up your system just in time for those humid months.
Get Your Carlsbad AC Repair With Specialized Mechanical
If you need professional AC maintenance, contact Specialized Mechanical! Our team can clear out any debris or replace any parts that need to be fixed. Get in touch with our team to find a solution for your AC odors today!
