An AC is an essential appliance that provides an air cooling solution to beat the scorching summer heat. Maintenance is the key to ensuring that your equipment provides reliable cooling. Despite that, your unit may malfunction and start emitting smelly air. As a result, your indoor environment will worsen while your utility bills increase. Therefore, you should hire an AC repair technician to examine and inspect your system for the source of the smell and fix it. Read on to learn why your AC is emitting a bad smell.

Dirty Air Filters

An AC uses air filters to remove dust and other airborne particles entering the system. Over time, debris will accumulate in the filters, restricting their function. Besides hindering performance, dirty air filters cause moisture to collect within the unit. This results in the growth of mold and mildew on the filters, spreading foul odor across your house. Therefore, have the unit's air filters checked by an AC repair contractor. They will wash them if they are reusable or replace them if disposable for better air quality.

Leaky Ducts

Your cooling unit utilizes ducts to circulate conditioned air throughout your house. Unfortunately, rodents and pests may infest your ductwork from leaks, get trapped, and die there. Over time, their carcasses emit awful smells which circulate in your home. Moreover, if your gas line sustains a leak and is close to the return air duct, it will discharge a sulfur-like smell. Therefore, you should contact an AC professional to seal your ducts and gas lines to prevent them from further leakages.

Clogged Drain Lines

Your drain lines empty moisture from the evaporator coils during dehumidification. However, these lines may wear down with time, constricting the water passage. Besides, algae and mildew will develop and clog these channels if you barely treat the condensate line. Consequently, you will notice a musty smell and water backup in the drain lines. Thus, it is wise to hire an AC contractor to clean your condensate lines to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil facilitates heat exchange between the cold refrigerant and warm air. However, dust may accumulate on the coils after a long duration of inactivity. Consequently, you will notice an off-putting smell when your AC operates as the dust burns off. On the other hand, your coils may absorb the odor of cigarette smoke. This leads to a tobacco smell from the vents when you turn on your unit. 

A well-serviced system will blow cool air and create a comfortable atmosphere in your home. Therefore, contact a company like Brooks Heating & Air Conditioning to improve your home's air quality.