AC Repairs

Why does my AC smell bad? If you’re asking yourself this question, you’ve come to the right place. 

Generally, your air conditioning unit shouldn’t be producing any smell, and it certainly shouldn’t be emitting any foul odor. However, when this does happen, it generally points to a serious problem with your air conditioner — often one that requires the assistance of a certified HVAC technician to fix. In this guide, we’ll explain some of the most common bad smells your air conditioner may produce, why they happen and how you can fix them.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell?

When your air conditioner usually kicks on, there shouldn’t be any significant smells. When people determine the normal air from their AC unit has any smell, they generally describe it as “fresh air” or “cold air.” 

But what if you’re asking yourself, “Why does my A/C smell?” And the answer is that it depends. Specifically, it depends on the type of smell that’s coming from your air conditioner. 

If Your Air Conditioner Smells Musty…

A “musty” smell can be a little different for everyone. Some describe it as the smell of dirty socks, while others consider it closer to damp leaves. But at the end of the day, “musty” generally refers to an unpleasant damp smell that is quite unmissable. 

If this describes the smell coming from your air conditioner, you likely have an issue with a dirty evaporator coil or some standing water buildup (inside or around the unit). This can cause mildew, mold and bacteria to grow. 

If you’re already experiencing a musty smell, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician. But you can avoid this unpleasant experience by getting annual AC maintenance and regularly changing your unit’s air filter. If you notice excess condensation or water at any time, it’s best to call a technician immediately so it doesn’t result in nasty-smelling buildups.

If Your Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals…

Smelling chemicals in the air you’re breathing is never a good thing, and if that chemical smell is coming from your air conditioner, it could be a serious problem. The chemical smell from your AC unit may vaguely remind you of paint thinner, or it could smell sickly sweet. In either case, you’re likely dealing with a refrigerant leak.

Refrigerant is a chemical that helps transfer heat and humidity out of your home during the cooling process. Sometimes called Freon or Puron, refrigerant also plays a crucial role in heaters by drawing heat from outside and transferring it inside. Unfortunately, this chemical is also highly toxic and can cause serious problems if ingested by people or animals.

If you’re smelling something sickly sweet or distinctly chemical coming from your air conditioner, you should first turn it off. Then, call an HVAC repair company to service your unit. Be sure to tell them what’s going on, and never attempt to fix refrigerant leaks on your own. 

If Your AC Smells Like Rotten Eggs…

If it seems like your air conditioner is emitting a smell like rotten eggs, the good news is there probably isn’t anything wrong with your AC. The bad news is that there’s almost definitely a gas leak in your house, and you need to take immediate steps to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe. 

If you smell rotten eggs in your home, most experts recommend you do the following:

• Switch off your gas supply if at all possible, to avoid letting any more into the air.
• Avoid lighting anything (including cigarettes, candles, etc.) because gas is highly flammable.
• Open windows immediately to reduce the risk of toxicity.
• Gather your family members and pets, ensuring everyone is accounted for.
• Leave your home as soon as you’ve gathered everyone.
• Get in touch with your gas company right away.
• Follow any warnings or procedures the gas company gives you over the phone.
• Call for emergency medical attention if anyone is feeling lightheaded, nauseous or ill.

If Your AC Smells Like Vinegar…

Several culprits could cause an air conditioner that smells like vinegar. For starters, your air filter might be dirty and could have trapped some smells in it. If this is the case, changing the filter may solve the problem. But this smell could also be caused by more serious issues like:

• Excessive condensation
• Clogged drain line
• Clogged condensate pan
• Moldy air conditioner
• Moldy ductwork

If changing your air filter doesn’t eliminate the smell, you’ll need to call a professional. Mold in your system can present a health hazard, which is the most serious concern, but other potential problems will still need a certified HVAC technician to fix them. 

If Your Unit Smells Like Burning Plastic…

A smell like burning plastic generally indicates that something is burning or overheating inside your unit. The culprit could be your motor, capacitor or fan belt. It could also be caused by a general electrical issue. 

Unfortunately, the causes behind burning plastic smells can be dangerous because they can cause house fires. Switch your unit off immediately and call for local HVAC repair. If you see smoke or flames at any time, shut the unit off and contact the fire department. 

For small fires, you can use a fire extinguisher. For any fire, be sure to evacuate your home of people and animals to eliminate the potential for harm should the fire spread beyond your air conditioner unit.

If Your Unit Smells Like Cat Pee…

Cat pee often has a strong, distinct smell. But did you know this smell is because cat pee has a strong ammonia concentration? If you’re smelling this from your air conditioner unit, you’ll want to seek immediate help because it generally means mold has bred inside your AC unit or ductwork.

Mold is harmful to all life and can cause breathing issues, especially in those already at high risk. If your unit smells like cat pee and anyone in your home feels sick, head to the nearest emergency room.

When Should You Call an HVAC Technician About Air Conditioner Smells?

Most air conditioner smells require the assistance of a professional HVAC technician. When in doubt, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. Air conditioner smells can have a range of causes, but some of them are quite serious and could be damaging to your health or cause a fire. 

Other Signs to Watch for When Your AC Smells Musty or Otherwise Bad

Often, other signs will accompany the weird smell coming from your air conditioning unit. These additional issues can help an HVAC technician diagnose the problem. Other signs to watch for include:

• Loud or abnormal noises
• Rapid cycling (quickly turning on and then back off)
• High humidity levels inside your home
• Water or fluid leaks anywhere along your HVAC system
• Insufficient airflow
• Air conditioner is blowing warm air instead of cool
• Smoke or flames
• Increased energy costs

 Find Affordable HVAC Services and Repairs

Still asking yourself, “Why does my air conditioner smell?” An air conditioner technician can help you diagnose and fix the issue. When the problem isn’t fixable, a technician can help by replacing your old unit with a new one. Get a free quote on HVAC services and repairs in your area today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Conditioner Smells

How do I get rid of the smell in my air conditioner?

Getting rid of the smell in your air conditioner depends on the root cause. The best way to eliminate any odors is to call an HVAC technician to diagnose and solve the problem. 

Why is my AC giving off a bad smell?

Many things can cause your AC to give off a bad smell. For example, it could be caused by electrical issues, mold growth or a clogged drain line. Other reasons for bad smells include dirty air conditioning filters, a dirty evaporator coil or excessive condensation. 

 Is a smelly AC unit bad for you?

In some cases, a smelly AC unit can be bad for you. For example, units that smell like cat pee can be caused by mold, which is toxic to humans and pets when breathed in. A smell of rotten eggs isn’t likely caused by your air conditioner unit but might be circulated by one. The smell of rotten eggs is usually caused by a natural gas leak, which is hazardous to your health. 

Will the air conditioner smell go away?

Most air conditioner smells will go away once the root cause is solved. However, sometimes, you may need to replace your air conditioner or ductwork to remove the smell entirely. 

At some point in time, your air conditioner is bound to run into a problem of some kind. In particular, the outdoor unit is exposed to the harshness of a long winter and like all mechanical systems, ongoing use leads to general wear and tear. Of course, AC problems can have a number of causes, and some may be related to the indoor components.

What you might be wondering, though, is what kinds of problems air conditioners face in Canada. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right article. Keep reading to learn about the top 6 most common AC issues in Canada. 

1. Leaking Refrigerant Line

The refrigerant lines are insulated tubes that run into the home from your AC condenser located outside. They carry refrigerant fluid from the condenser to the evaporator and back, ensuring that the AC can produce cold air.

Due to frequent freezing conditions, branches on trees in Canada are particularly prone to snapping and breaking. Falling ice, falling branches, and other debris can damage A/C refrigerant lines.

 

Unfortunately, should one of these lines become damaged over time due to constant temperature fluctuations or physical harm, the refrigerant fluid can leak out of the AC system. This will reduce the effectiveness of your air conditioning, and eventually will result in the AC becoming non-functional, requiring prompt repair and servicing.

For this reason, you should be sure to keep the area around your central air conditioner’s outdoor unit clear from any potential falling debris, and visually inspect the lines in the spring. If you see any damage, call your local HVAC repair professional at once.

2. Frozen Evaporator Coils

Another problem you might come across is the problem of frozen evaporator coils. Evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing the heat inside of the home. In doing so, they facilitate the cooling process. 

Unfortunately, over time, the evaporator coils can become covered in dirt and grime. This can make it difficult for them to properly absorb heat. And this, in turn, can result in the coils freezing and therefore losing functionality. 

The most important way to prevent your evaporator coils from freezing is to clean them on a regular basis (every 6 months or so). This can be done with a specialized coil cleaner. 

If cleaning your evaporator coils isn’t stopping the problem, you should call a licensed HVAC technician. They’ll find out what the real issue is and take the necessary action in order to fix it. 

3. Short Cycling

Short cycling describes an event in which an air conditioner turns on for a few seconds, then turns off for a few seconds, repeating the process over and over again. In some cases, it does this constantly, never quite staying off or on. 

The problem with short cycling is that it puts undue stress on the air conditioning unit. Not to mention, it causes the AC to use more energy than it would otherwise. For these reasons, it’s a problem that needs to be rectified. 

If your unit is short cycling, you should call up an HVAC repair professional. They’ll find the source of the problem and then take all necessary action in order to fix it. 

4. Slow Response Times

In most cases, when a change is made on a thermostat, the air conditioner will accommodate that change within a few seconds. Unfortunately, in some cases, these “few seconds” end up being 30 seconds to a minute after the change is made. Rest assured, this slow response time is indicative of a problem. 

There are a number of things that could lead to slow response times in your AC. A common cause is a failing capacitor, an electronic component that is easily replaced. Alternatively, the sensors within your AC could be dirty; your thermostat could be experiencing connectivity issues; or there might even be a problem with your AC’s motor. 

Regardless, if you allow this problem to persist, it’s bound to result in further damage over time. Be sure to have it fixed as soon as possible. 

5. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Another problem that might develop with your air conditioner is when it starts to trip circuit breakers. In other words, when your air conditioner turns on, it causes one or more of your circuit breakers to trip. Generally, your air conditioner will be on a separate circuit, so only the one breaker will trip.

This could be caused by improper installation of the electrical circuits. Or it may result from a problem with your equipment, such as a short circuit somewhere.

Damage to the motor of some sort that makes it work too hard could cause it to trip its breaker, too. Any other malfunction that causes the motor to have work too hard could make the breaker trip.

To fix this kind of a problem, you’ll need to call your local HVAC repair technician to determine the problem and help you correct it.

6. Dirty Air

The last issue we’re going to discuss is the issue of dirty air. If your home feels stuffy or musty, and if it carries a foul odour, it’s likely due to contaminants floating around within the indoor environment. 

Where are all of these contaminants coming from? One possibility is your duct system. How are they making their way into your duct system? By way of your air conditioner, of course. 

Fortunately, this is a problem that can be easily fixed. All you need to do is clean your ducts and swap out your HVAC air filter. Duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years should take care of it, but you’ll need to change the air filters at least every six months, possibly more frequently if you have pets or bring dust into the house.

Another possible source is the drain pan that handles the water that condenses out of the air as it is cooled. If this doesn’t drain properly, or if it is constantly moist, mold can form and contaminate your air.

If water is accumulating in the drain pan, have your HVAC professional adjust it so it drains properly.

These AC Issues Are Common But Can be Corrected

And there they are, 6 most common AC issues in Canada. Fortunately, they’re mostly relatively easy to fix and can all be remedied with the help of professional AC repair. 

Browse through some of our other air conditioner repair articles to learn more. 

More than 60 percent of Canadian households have air conditioning. Having an AC can help lower the air temperature and the humidity level in your home, providing comfort for occupants. What’s more, it can improve the air quality in your building.

Unfortunately, your air conditioning can break down. AC malfunctions can do more than upset your mood. The lack of cooling can increase moisture in your home, creating a suitable environment for mould growth. If left unchecked, it can lead to property damage.

This is why it’s important to call an emergency AC repair service as soon as possible. Here’s what to expect during AC repair.

Step 1: Wait for the AC Technicians

After you call the AC Company, they’ll send an expert to you right away. While emergency AC repair is fast, it isn’t instantaneous. You’ll have to wait for the AC repair experts to get to your home.

Step 2: Initial Inspection

Once the AC repair technician arrives at your home, they’ll thoroughly inspect your unit. This will allow them to diagnose the problem and find out the best way to repair it.

Step 3: Get a Quote

Before they start the repairs, the air conditioning technician will give you an estimate for the job. Your emergency AC repair cost will depend on the issues you’re experiencing. For instance, simpler air conditioner repairs involving the fuses, drain line, and control board are cheaper.

But if you have issues with your fan motor, condensate pump, drain pans, or refrigerant, you may have to pay more.

Try our free A/C repair cost calculator to get a general idea.

Step 4: AC Repairs

The AC repair specialist will start the repair once you give the go-ahead. They’ll fix any emergency AC issues you may have with your unit.

The time taken for the repair will depend on the size of your AC and the type of problem. You can ask the technicians to give you a specific timeline before they start.

If it’s a relatively minor issue, they may be able to troubleshoot the issue on the spot, and even swap out a minor part. For more complex problems, they may need to source a replacement part, which may take anywhere from  few days to weeks. Current supply chain issues are causing delays like with just about everything else!

Step 5: The Results

Your AC unit will be back up and running by the time the emergency AC repair technician leaves your home. You can settle back into your normal routine in a cooler home.

Signs You Need Emergency AC Repair in Canada

Knowing how to recognize when your air conditioning needs an emergency repair can save you a lot of stress. Below are signs you should call an AC repair company:

Unusual Noises

If your air conditioner is making screeching, squealing, gurgling, or other odd sounds, it may have a problem. Don’t ignore these unusual AC sounds. It may be a sign that you require an emergency AC repair in Toronto.

The Vents are Blowing Warm Air

When your air conditioner is functional, there should be a steady flow of cool air coming from the vents. But if you notice the fan is blowing but the air in your home is warm or hot, you may have a faulty compressor or a simple blockage in the vents. Regardless, you should get in touch with an AC technician to check it out.

Rapid Cycling

Does your AC unit seem to be turning on and off more frequently than usual? You may have an issue with your thermostat or the electrical connection on your unit. When this happens, you should call a qualified AC technician right away.

Ice in the System

While your air conditioner is supposed to be cold, there shouldn’t be any ice forming on the components. A common sign that there’s ice in your unit is when you start noticing a pool of water forming under your air conditioner.

You need to get in touch with emergency AC repairs before the ice buildup causes damage to the rest of the unit.

High Indoor Humidity

Air conditioners help control your indoor humidity. If your AC is functioning properly, your indoor humidity levels should be between 30 to 50 percent.

When it becomes higher than that, you may have a malfunctioning AC. Instead of letting your home feel hot and stuffy, why not find an emergency AC repair service.

Unpleasant Smells

Have you noticed odd smells in your home? The strange smells may be coming from your air conditioner. It may be due to grime buildup in your ductwork.

Since you don’t want to hold your nose in your home, you should have an AC repair specialist perform routine maintenance.

Weak Air Current

Sometimes cool air may still be coming from your vents, but it’s just a trickle. If you’re experiencing such an issue, the components in your AC may be malfunctioning or worn out. Whether it’s due to a clogged air filter or issues with a motor, you need to hire an AC repair professional to solve the issue.

Tripped Breakers

Does your AC unit seem to be frequently tripping your home’s circuit breaker?

When this happens, you will often have to reset the breaker for the AC during operation. This may be a sign of an electrical issue. Electrical problems are very dangerous. They not only affect the operation of your air conditioning but can also be a fire hazard.

This is why you should enlist emergency AC repair services as soon as possible. They have expertise working with electrical components, ensuring your home is safe.

The Fan Isn’t Working

When your AC is in operation, the fan should be spinning. This allows it to transfer hot air outside. However, if the fan malfunctions, your AC unit may end up overheating and cause damage. You may need to call in AC repair technicians to come to take look at the fan.

Thermostat Malfunctions

Do the readings on your smart thermostat no longer coincide with the temperature in your home? You may have a problem with your thermostat. It may also be an issue with the AC system itself. To know for sure what’s ailing your system, you should contact emergency AC technician.

Emergency AC Repair Near You: Fast and Hassle-Free

Got problems with your AC unit? You need an emergency AC repair company that has experience fixing heating and air conditioning in your area. Thorough research on AC companies near you goes a long way to help you find qualified AC repair technicians.

Get emergency service from trusted local AC companies across Canada.

At some point all owners of air conditioning units will come across common problems with the operation of their unit. By following the proper Use and Care Instructions that accompany your Owner’s Manual you will greatly reduce the instances of issues.

However, should you happen to experience a blip in operations, the following list aims to address common problems, causes, and solutions for owners to try.

Common Problems: Air is not cooling enough:

1. Indoor airflow is not adequate

Check your furnace air filter to ensure it is clean and not dirty or clogged—this could be restricting air flow. Also make certain there is a proper supply of air coming through your home’s vents. Adjust all registers so they are open—if you find air not moving through all vents there may be a block in your duct work. These can be some common problems you run across.

2. A/C unit is not the correct size

An A/C unit that is too small will have continuous run cycles. An A/C unit that is too big will have short run cycles. Both of these issues will eventually cause your HVAC system to prematurely fail. Confirm you are using a unit that is the appropriate size for the space you are cooling by contacting an HVAC professional.

3. Outside compressor/condenser unit is obstructed

Remove any brush or debris from the area surrounding the unit—a good rule of thumb is to have nothing within 24”, including building walls and/or fences. Outside units require proper cool air flow in order to function correctly.

Common Problems: AC unit will not turn ON:

1. Power to unit is disconnected or loose

Locate the plug for the A/C unit and ensure it is properly plugged in to the electrical outlet. If power is not restored, check the building electrical panel to ensure a fuse has not blown, or a breaker tripped.

2. Blown fuse or tripped breaker

Replace the fuse or reset the breaker. If the fuse blows again, or the circuit breaker re-trips, leave it OFF.

3. Thermostat is not set correctly

Ensure the thermostat has working batteries and is operational. Turn your thermostat to its lowest temperature setting to see if the A/C unit turns ON. If your unit turns ON the temperature setting was set too high on your COOL setting. Set the temperature for lower than the actual room temperature is showing. If your unit does not turn ON there may be an issue with either your thermostat, or A/C unit.

AC unit is noisy:

1. Banging noise could mean a broken or loose part

Potentially a connecting rod, piston pin, or crankshaft inside the air compressor has broken or come loose, or possibly the compressor requires total replacement.

2. Humming due to loose or unattached parts

Loose parts, electrical issues, and loose wiring can all cause humming. To avoid damaging your A/C unit, turn the unit’s power OFF.

3. Screaming or loud whistling means a refrigerant leak or high pressure within the compressor

Immediately turn OFF the unit.

AC unit is leaking:

1. Overflow pan has a hole or crack

Check each corner and edge of the pan for a hole or crack—these can be repaired with an epoxy glue as a temporary fix. Damaged pans should be replaced.

2. Clogged filter

A dirty filter will cause ice to form on the unit’s evaporator coils-when it melts it will drip. Replace the filter and set a reminder to change it every 1-2 months while the A/C unit is in use.

3. Plugged condensate line

A plugged line will cause water to back up and fill the overflow pan. Try using a wet/dry vacuum, or a hand pump made for clearing A/C condensate lines, to suck or blow the line clear. To prevent build up from mildew or algae, pour a little bleach down the line every 4-6 months.These are examples of the most commonly experienced A/C unit problems by owners, and possible remedies. An HVAC professional can further troubleshoot and recommend corrective action or service should your problem persist. Contact a trusted local distributor to discuss any questions you may have concerning your A/C unit, or to learn about warranty coverage.

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Consider the Age of Your A/C and Repairs

An older, well-maintained air conditioner can still work, but it can’t compete with the newer, more efficient air conditioners when it comes to energy savings. Eventually, it will make more sense to upgrade than to keep using your old A/C. Is it time to consider repairs on your current air conditioner.

Experts agree that the average A/C unit can last between 10 to 15 years. Whether you have a central or ductless air conditioner, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement once your cooling system hits the 10-year mark. Granted, with the right amount of proper care, some air conditioner units can last as long as 15-20 years and still work well with repairs. So don’t immediately replace your A/C without talking to a technician first.

A good technician will advise you on whether your current A/C unit is worth keeping, or if you’d be better off buying a new unit. You may also want to consider 12 common A/C issues and how to troubleshoot them.

Watch Your Energy Bills and Consider Repairs

New air conditioners are now more efficient than ever before. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the A/C unit will be. Speak with a technician about the SEER of your existing air conditioner, and compare that with what’s available now.

Aside from overall efficiency potential, there’s the actual efficiency that your air conditioner can achieve. That’s because as your air conditioner ages, it will become less efficient, especially if it isn’t being maintained properly.

When efficiency goes down, your bills will slowly go up. But if you notice big spikes in your air conditioning costs month after month, then you should think about getting an upgrade.

Frequency of Repairs Being Done Now

Older units aren’t just responsible for higher energy costs. Their upkeep can become expensive, not to mention tiresome. The occasional repairs is completely normal; your air conditioner is moving and working, so it’s only natural that it will need a repair every now and again.

But multiple repairs during the summer months is definitely not good for you or your bank account. Not only do these repairs add up over a short period of time, but it tells you that there’s a bigger problem with your air conditioner that repairs simply can’t fix.

If you find yourself spending more time fixing your A/C than actually using it for its intended purpose, it’s time to put your money into buying a new one instead of keeping your old one alive.

R-22 Needs of Your Current Unit

If your A/C unit requires additional refrigerant, it’s a sign of a coolant leak. Topping off your unit with R-22 refrigerant, also known as Freon, can cost anywhere from $40 to more than $175 per pound — and that doesn’t even factor the cost of a service call. This means that fixing the leak and putting in several pounds of refrigerant can cost between $550 to $1000.

A unit that takes R-22 and develops a leak should probably be replaced because the unit’s compressor (which can cost up to $2000 to fix by itself) will die soon afterward. Repairing a leak, adding refrigerant and replacing the compressor can cost about the same as buying a new, low-end A/C unit.

Therefore, it’d be best to replace your A/C unit altogether in this scenario.