You get into a hot car and instantly reach to turn up the AC, only to be hit in the face with an unpleasant (and unwanted) smell. As these coils are colder than the air around them, hot air flowing into the unit can create moisture pockets that surround the condensing unit in your AC system; which create small pools of water that are drained outside of the car via the drain line. Another potential contributor to the unpleasant smell emanating from your air vents could be from sources brought into the car, like food, pets, children’s accidents, and smoke from cigarettes or cigars. We’ve also had calls where people say they smell a skunk when they turn on the AC. Ultra-Fresh is currently being used by many automotive and aerospace manufacturers to incorporate into filters, foam, adhesives and gaskets/seals used in HVAC systems. I will continue to use Arctic Air and have recommend them to others…”, ”It took a while, but they finally got my furnace repaired. Can a … Clean or replace your AC filters. Once you’ve done that, turn the car on and the AC to max power. Will definitely use arctic air again.”, ”The technician Alex DeMauro was very professional and courteous. To help prevent this odor, clean or replace the filter in the spring. We offer a selection of products, including options that are US EPA registered, BPR compliant and OEKO-TEX® listed. The burning smell is one of the most commonly-experienced scents that can come from your AC. This smell needs to be removed, not only because it causes discomfort for other passengers, but also because the micro-organisms behind it can cause allergy-type illnesses. This moisture drips into a drain pan, where mold and algae can form. There are a couple of solutions to rid your air conditioner of unwanted stenches. “Dirty Sock Syndrome” is when your air conditioner gives off a foul, moldy or mildew-like smell when you turn it on. It can signal a leaky radiator or hose or a leak in the car’s heating system. If you notice that your house smells like your son just put his gym socks into your air conditioner or if your house generally smells musky or like a gymnasium when your air conditioner kicks on, then you could have dirty sock syndrome. We provide valuable AC maintenance services that help you get the most from your system, whether you’re dealing with bad odors or not. This is a likely reason why the air conditioner smells when first turned on if you don’t use forced-air heating in winter. Go a little while without using the air conditioning if you can, and see if the smell goes away. This blocks the drain and can also generate an unpleasant odor when you run the AC for the first time. Your first task of action should be to locate the drain tube in your vehicle and ensure that it is functioning properly. Why Does My Truck's A/C System Stink? Associated smell: Sweet, candy, maple syrup . In fact, the smell happens as a result of mold building up inside the vents. When the furnace is turned on, the dust gets burned off. It does not constitute professional advice. The coils in the AC unit work to condense the heat and moisture in the air, taking out the humidity before pushing the cooled air into your car. The water droplets gather on the evaporator before going outside through the AC drain pipe. When we turn on the car AC, the air inside the car dries, but moisture has to make its way to somewhere. Jane Norton / E+ / Getty. It shouldn’t have any discernible smell. The invoice…”, ”My Heating and Cooling system was installed by Arctic Air Conditioning quite a few years back. Find out how we work with you through our scientific testing laboratory, highly-qualified technical and regulatory specialists. We are committed to helping our clients deliver fresh, durable and innovative products by providing antimicrobial additives and treatments for fabrics, polymers, foams, coatings and more. What is That Smell? All information is subject to change at any time without notice. To help prevent this odor, empty the drain pan before retiring the air conditioner for winter. Dust, hair, and moisture on the AC filter encourage mildew growth, which can cause a musty odor when the air conditioner runs. If you have a ductless/central air conditioning system, lizards and other critters can sometimes go into your indoor unit and make for an unpleasant experience. No one wants that! When you turn on the air conditioner or heater, the fumes, along with the smell, are sucked up and blown right into the cabin of … In my opinion he went above and beyond what…”, ”Extremely satisfied with Artic Air. This is due to micro-organisms that have accumulated over time in the system vents. As air passes over the evaporator coil and fins for the first time this season, it picks up the decaying odor created by the mold and carries it into your home. AC smells. Either way, best to get it checked right away before the radiator runs dry or the heating system breaks down. Did you just turn on your heater, furnace, or heat pump for the first time in a while and now you notice a burning smell? You should replace the air filter to eliminate the odor. Spray an antiseptic into the exterior air vents (where your car pulls air from outside into the car from). Air conditioners generate condensate as they remove excess indoor humidity. This smell isn't vinegar from the store. If you smell something musty, like old gym socks, while your air conditioner is running, it’s usually a sign of mold or mildew growing inside your AC.An easy way to prevent this is to turn the air conditioning off when you’re near your destination and run the fan for … As it gets used, your car's air conditioning begins to emit a bad smell when you turn it on. HIC License #13VH01741400, Copyright © 2020 Arctic Air Conditioning, Inc. All Right Reserved. The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. car air ventsFar more often than not, that vinegar smell shows up when you are using your vehicle’s air conditioning. If the AC unit is not often used, or used much too often, this can also increase the growth of these microbes inside your car’s AC system and ventilation system as a whole. ... One of his first cars was an ’80 Mazda RX-7 that’s sorely missed to this day. 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