Why Is My Vehicle’s AC Smelly?

Most of the time, you start your car and turn on the AC, and you’re good to go. It blasts in cold air and sucks out all the humidity. But other times, the AC releases a funky smell and may not be in the best condition.

Does your vehicle’s AC have odor? If you’re wondering why your AC smells, don’t ignore the problem. It could be a deeper issue, like those we’ll go through below, along with other possible AC problems.

Potential causes of a bad AC smell

Often, people describe this as a smelly gym locker kind of odor. There are a couple of potential culprits. One is that the cabin’s air filter is dirty or old. The air filter is essential for removing debris, dirt and other particles before the air is circulated through the vehicle. Replacing it regularly is recommended to avoid a range of air-conditioning issues.

Another possibility is that your car has a moldy evaporator case. This is an issue for vehicles that have water resting in the evaporator case due to the drain being blocked. Just like in other situations, this means that mold will accumulate over time. You want a mechanic to look at this as soon as possible—the last thing you want is for you and your family to be breathing moldy air.

The importance of refrigerant

The air-conditioning system needs refrigerant to work properly. Without it, you could have poor airflow, or the system may stop working altogether. That’s why it’s essential to have an experienced technician inspect your AC regularly. They can spot when the refrigerant is getting low and address any leaks.

Solving weak airflow problems

One other common issue with car AC systems is that the airflow is inadequate. If you’re sweating every time you need to take a car trip, it’s time to get your car checked out.

This could be due to mold forming in the evaporator core. When this is the case, the air will have difficulty reaching the vents. It’s also possible that the ventilation fan is broken, which means the air won’t circulate well. Your car could also have a hose that came loose, as is often the case with the blower hose that provides air into the blower unit.

Other potential issues

The range of problems for air-conditioning systems doesn’t stop there. It could be that your car has a failed compressor or compressor clutch. Or there could be a failed switch, fuse or control module. The only way to truly protect your car’s air conditioning is to have a trusted mechanic inspect the system.

Does your vehicle’s AC have odor? Then stop by Auto Air & Heating, Inc. Since 1982, we have been your one-stop shop for any auto air and heating services you need. We offer preventive maintenance jobs that keep cars on the road and reliable—and they keep your AC in top working order. Stop by today, or give us a call to set up an appointment!

Categorised in: Auto AC Repair

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