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Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell?

Bad Smell Or Odor From Air Conditioner

What’s That Smell? Uncovering the Causes of Air Conditioner Odors

Have you ever been sitting in your living room or office, enjoying the cool breeze of your air conditioner, when all of a sudden, a strange odor wafts through the air? If so, you’re not alone! Air conditioners are notorious for producing strange smells that can leave us wondering “why does my a/c smell?”

Wolfer’s Home Services is going to take an in-depth dive into uncovering the real cause of those pesky odors and offer possible solutions on how to get rid of them. So, if your AC smells bad when turned on, read on to learn more about what could be causing it and how to fix it.

Buildup of Dirt and Debris

The most common cause of an air conditioner odor is a buildup of dirt and debris inside the unit. Over time, your air filter becomes clogged with dust, pollen, pet fur, and other particles that can get stuck in the ventilation system. As these particles build up in the filter, they start to decompose which can cause a musty smell that becomes noticeable when the AC is running. 

Mold Growth

The second most common cause of unpleasant odors coming from your air conditioner is bacteria and mold growth. The condensate pan inside your AC can harbor water which, if left uncleaned for long periods of time, can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can lead to an “earthy” or “fishy” smell that is difficult to get rid of.

Refrigerant Leak

The final cause of air conditioner odors is a refrigerant leak. If your AC unit contains refrigerants like Freon, these can start to leak from the system which creates a sweet or chemical-like odor that can be quite strong. Refrigerant leaks are very serious as they can pose a health risk to you and your family. If you detect this particular smell, it’s best to shut off the unit and call an Heating, Air Conditioning technician for assistance.

How to Fix a Smelly Air Conditioner

Now that you know what could be causing those unpleasant smells from your AC unit, it’s time to move on to how to get rid of them!

Step 1: Change Your Air Filters

The first step is to regularly change or clean your air filters. This will help reduce the buildup of dirt and debris that can lead to those musty odors. If you have a self-cleaning AC unit, make sure it’s running properly so that it can effectively keep your filter clean and free from dust.

Step 2: Clean the Condensate Pan

Next, make sure you’re keeping the condensate pan clean. This should be done regularly to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which can lead to those unpleasant odors. If there is too much water in the pan, it’s best to call an Heating, Air Conditioning technician so they can come out and check for any potential leaks or other issues that could be causing the problem.

Step 3: Contact a Professional

Finally, if you detect a chemical-like smell from your air conditioner, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. In this case, immediately shut off the unit and contact an Heating, Air Conditioning technician to determine the source of the leak and fix any potential problems.

Air Conditioner Services in Oregon

No one likes having strange odors coming from their air conditioner, but by understanding the causes of these odors and taking the necessary steps to prevent them, we can all enjoy the cool breeze without having to worry about mysterious smells! If you have any questions or need AC repair in Salem, OR, don’t hesitate to contact Wolfer’s Home Services

What To Expect

Discover the Wolfer’s Home Services Difference

Same-Day Service Available

Have you got a clogged toilet or a leaky AC unit? Count on us for same-day emergency heating, air conditioning or plumbing services!

Exceptional Customer Service

Our team goes above and beyond to provide top-notch customer service on every job.

Highly Qualified Technicians

Our skilled technicians are licensed, insured, and able to service all brands of heating, and air conditioning systems.

Punctuality & Professionalism

You can trust our friendly, professional technicians will arrive on time for your heating, air conditioning, plumbing, or electrical service.

Safety, Security & Cleanliness

Our technicians will ensure every service is completed safely and will treat your home with respect.

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee because we stand behind the quality of our work!

Same-Day Service Available

Have you got a clogged toilet or a leaky AC unit? Count on us for same-day emergency heating, air conditioning or plumbing services!

Exceptional Customer Service

Our team goes above and beyond to provide top-notch customer service on every job.

Highly Qualified Technicians

Our skilled technicians are licensed, insured, and able to service all brands of heating, and air conditioning systems.

Punctuality & Professionalism

You can trust our friendly, professional technicians will arrive on time for your heating, air conditioning, plumbing, or electrical service.

Safety, Security & Cleanliness

Our technicians will ensure every service is completed safely and will treat your home with respect.

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee because we stand behind the quality of our work!

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This was the best decision we have ever made! The staff from the beginning to end was very professional and helpful. They did an excellent job from Leon the salesman, to the installers. The new furnace and heat pump work beautifully and I cannot wait to see my new electric bill! I cannot recommend…

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Scott A.

The on-site team was fantastic. They were professional, and great to work with. They kept us up to date, and they were able to work through challenges easily. The work was clean and tidy. We were very impressed with the work they did. I would recommend Wolfer’s in a heartbeat if you need anything…

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David D.

Our furnace went out during the ice storm. Since the house is on a steep hill and most of the city was without power, we didn’t think it would be likely that someone could come out to take a look. Wolfer’s sent a tech the same day with chains on their vehicle. Friendly and…

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Jia E.

Amazing service and support. My advisor Rob listened to my needs, reviewed my house, and gave me five options to consider. He then connected me to Greg in the financing department who helped make what I wanted possible. Days later, Lupe, Will, Ryan, and Doug came to my house and got the new system…

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Ted S.

Today we had our 20 year old furnace & air conditioning system replaced by WOLFER’s Heating & Air Conditioning with a beautiful Lennox system! It was quite a process but their technicians, led by Manuel & Carlos, accomplished a huge amount of work in one rainy day! At the end of the day, not…

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