If you turn on your air conditioner and notice a not-so-pleasant smell, this could point to several problems. It's probably a good idea to call us so we can check it out and solve the issue. Some smells can indicate a larger or even hazardous problem. You want to make sure your home and family are safe and comfortable.
In this article, you can read a few common reasons for air conditioning smells and what to do about them.
Smells like rotten eggs
If you turn on your air conditioner and get that smell, proceed cautiously! A rotten egg smell, or sulphur scent, usually points to a gas leak in your home. When the gas leak gets into your ducts, this is what produces the rotten egg smell when you turn on your air conditioner.
If you smell this when you turn your air conditioning on, shut off your gas supply immediately and exit the home. Then, call your utility provider's emergency hotline or 911 to report a gas leak. Do not turn on any lights, appliances, or anything that requires ignition.
Read more from the City of Calgary about what to do if you suspect a gas leak in your home.
Pests in the ductwork
Unfortunately, pests like mice, birds, or even squirrels can enter your ductwork through the dryer vent, attic or other places. When an animal dies in your ductwork, you'll know once you turn on your air conditioner. The smell is terrible, and the remains will need to be removed as soon as possible.
It might be challenging to locate the issue, but a professional duct cleaning can take care of it for you. Fagnan's Furnace Service offers furnace and duct cleaning and can remove anything that might be the cause of that smell. Keep your air conditioner off until then so you don't spread the smell or bacteria further.
Dirty coils
When you turn on your air conditioner, dirty coils in your HVAC system can cause a dirty sock smell in your home. When this happens, you'll want to contact your HVAC contractor to clean your furnace and make any needed repairs. If your HVAC system is very old, you may consider purchasing a new one instead.
At Fagnan's Furnace Service, we sell a wide range of furnaces and air conditioners to suit the needs of each household. We are a Carrier Authorized Factory Dealer, which means we offer our customers top-of-the-line and highly efficient products.
Call Fagnan's Furnace Service today for duct cleaning, air conditioner service, or any of your HVAC needs!
