Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell in Richmond, VA?

Once you’ve fired up your air conditioner for spring in Richmond, VA, it shouldn’t emit an odor, and neither should the air that blows through the vents. Learn about some common air conditioner smells you may encounter and what they mean.

Burning Odor

If it’s the first cycle of the season, you may smell a slight burning odor as dust heats up and burns off inside your cooling system. If the smell continues or is especially strong, shut off your AC and call for professional service. A burning or gunpowder odor may indicate an electrical short, fire, wiring issue, or overheated motor.

Dirty Socks

The smell of dirty gym socks coming from your air conditioner may indicate the presence of biological growth on the coils or other internal parts of the system. You’ll need to call a qualified service technician for a thorough cleaning to get rid of the smell.

Sweet, Ether-Like Smell

Your air conditioner could emit a sweet, ether-like smell. This smell may result from a refrigerant leak. If you notice an unusually sweet smell from your AC, shut it off and call us for service.

Contact Our Experts Today for Help

Have you been dealing with unpleasant air conditioner smells in your home If so, it’s important to know what the smell means so you know how to respond. Call Classic Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning right away if you need AC repairs due to foul odors

We’re a locally owned and operated HVAC company that’s been serving Richmond, VA, and nearby communities since 2002. As a a Trane Comfort Specialist we offer 24-hour emergency repair services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our technicians are NATE-certified, so you can rest assured that your heating and cooling systems are in capable hands.

Image provided by iStock