Common Air Conditioning Smells and Their Surprising Causes

We rely on air conditioners to provide us with fresh, cool air whenever it gets too warm or humid. However, you may sometimes notice strange odours emanating from the unit. While this isn’t an uncommon occurrence, some of the causes behind different odours could come as a surprise. Regardless, it’s important to identify these root causes so you can engage in the appropriate aircon services to restore your unit. Let’s take a closer look at these possible culprits.

Musty Odours

Cause:

A musty smell from your air conditioner is often an indication of mould or mildew growth. This can occur within the air conditioning unit or in its ductwork, and could happen more frequently in humid climates, like Singapore’s. Mould also thrives in damp and dark environments, and if there’s excess moisture inside your air conditioner, it could accelerate the growth of these pesky microorganisms.

Solution: 

Just like how we’d address any other mould problem, regular cleaning and maintenance is key. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, wiping down the evaporator coils, and ensuring proper drainage to prevent the accumulation of moisture. Externally, consider improving ventilation and reducing humidity in the indoor space around your air conditioner to help prevent mould growth.

Here at GoodCool, we offer a wide range of aircon services, from Daikin aircon service to Mitsubishi aircon repair in Singapore, and other kinds of maintenance work that cater to different brands.

Learn More: 4 Tips to Prevent Mould from Growing in Your Aircon

Burning Smells

Source: Reddit

Cause: 

If you detect a burning smell when your air conditioner is running, it could be a telltale sign of an electrical problem. Said burning smell is commonly attributed to a malfunctioning motor or overheated wires, so ignoring it could pose serious hazards, including the risk of an electrical fire.

Solution: 

If you catch a whiff of a burning smell from your air conditioner, turn it off right away and immediately engage a licensed technician who is well-equipped to swiftly and safely deal with the problem. Getting professional diagnosis and repair is crucial in ensuring the safety and functionality of your air conditioning unit. Whether you’re looking for Mitsubishi aircon servicing in Singapore, or any other brand, GoodCool’s team of experienced and accredited technicians has your back.

Chemical or Pungent Odours

Source: Trust Heating And Air

Cause:

An unpleasant chemical or pungent odour is often the handiwork that stems from a refrigerant leak. Freon, for instance, is a type of refrigerant that has a distinct smell and can be harmful if inhaled. This is why a refrigerant leak not only affects the performance of the air conditioner; it also poses health risks.

Solution:

If you suspect a refrigerant leak, you should turn off your air conditioner immediately and seek professional assistance. These chemical-based leaks require expert help to identify the source, repair the leak, and refill the refrigerant. Prompt action is necessary to prevent further damage and ensure your safety.

Dirty Sock Syndrome

Cause:

No one likes the smell of dirty socks, so to be hit in the lungs with that odour from your air conditioner isn’t exactly something we’d want. Unfortunately, the accumulation of bacteria and mould in and around your evaporator coils could lead to exactly that, the aptly named “Dirty Sock Syndrome”. Incidentally, this is a common issue in humid climates. 

Solution: 

Similar to tackling mould and mildew in your air conditioner, professional aircon cleaning and maintenance go a long way in addressing Dirty Sock Syndrome. This often involves cleaning the coils, replacing dirty air filters, and disinfecting the system to eliminate bacteria and mould. Maintaining your air conditioner regularly can prevent the recurrence of this issue.

Having a clearer understanding of the underlying causes behind these odours is just half the battle won. Having identified them, it’s now about finding the right solutions. As much as it may be tempting to perform your own fixes, we highly recommend seeking professional help instead. Many of these root causes involve issues that can go unnoticed by the untrained eye, let alone finding the right solutions. 

Here at GoodCool, our expert aircon technicians have undergone rigorous training and also boast years of experience in the industry, enabling them to handle a wide range of issues and aircon brands. Whether you need Daikin aircon servicing, Mitsubishi aircon installation in Singapore, or any other service for other air conditioner brands, we have them all covered.

Contact us today to find out more.