Why Does the AC Smell Like Gas
In case of a natural gas leak, leave the house immediately, open windows for ventilation, call emergency services or the utility company from a safe location outside, and await professional assistance to shut off the gas supply and repair the leak.
Air conditioners can occasionally produce strange odors, especially when first turned on for the season. These smells are usually harmless, arising from dust and other debris in the ductwork. A sulfur, rotten egg, or skunk-like odor, however, could indicate a natural gas leak.
What to Do When Gas is Smelled
A natural gas leak can start a fire or even an explosion if it is serious enough. It is important to leave the house immediately. Opening a window on the way out can prevent gas accumulation. Then, call the utility company or emergency services from outside the home or from a neighbor’s house. A utility company representative will be able to shut off the gas supply safely, and once the gas dissipates, a plumber can repair the natural gas leak.
Why is the Smell Coming from the AC Unit?
In many homes, the air conditioner shares the blower motor, fan, and ductwork with the furnace. If the natural gas supply to the furnace is leaking, the air conditioner can draw in the gas through the return ducts and spread it throughout the home. Air conditioners are often located in basements, attics, or utility rooms near appliances like water heaters and their natural gas piping. Leaks in those systems can also cause the air conditioner to draw in natural gas.
Ideally, the return ducts should draw air from the living space, not the basement, attic, or utility room. This could indicate that the air ducts are leaking. Once the gas leak is repaired, it is advisable to have the air ducts sealed and insulated properly. The U.S. Department of Energy says that up to 30 percent of the conditioned air in a heating and air system is lost due to duct leaks, and sealing and insulating air ducts can boost heating and cooling efficiency by up to 20 percent or more.
Other Possible Causes of a Gas Smell
In its original state, natural gas is odorless. Suppliers add a chemical called methyl mercaptan, which produces the signature sulfur or rotten egg-like odor for easier detection of leaks. The smell is similar to other common odors, such as skunk spray or the late stages of decomposition. A rotten egg-like odor could also indicate that a rodent, bird, or other animal has been nesting in the air ducts and has since died. In that case, it is recommended to have the air ducts cleaned and sanitized while repairing any damage the animal has caused.
Above and Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial heating and air conditioning company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort. Call us today at 210-897-8658.
