08/10/2026
Why does my air conditioner smell? There are 7 smells, and 2 of them mean you should switch it off.
1. Musty, damp, like a wet towel. Mould on the coil and in the drain pan. Wash the filters, then book a coil clean.
2. Dirty socks, sour, slightly cheesy. The same thing, further along. It won't clear on its own.
3. Decay, getting worse by the day. An animal has died in or behind the unit. It needs removing before anything else.
4. Stale smoke or old cooking. Soaked into the filter and coil over years. Deep clean, sometimes a new filter.
5. Faintly sweet or chemical, with poor cooling. Possibly a refrigerant leak. That's licensed work: ARCtick AU34570.
⚠️ Burning or hot plastic: a motor, a board or wiring. Switch off at the isolator and ring us. Don't keep running it.
⚠️ Rotten eggs or sulphur: possibly a gas leak, not an aircon smell. Turn it off, leave the house and ring your gas provider first.
The full guide shows you how to work out which one you have: https://supercoolqld.com.au/guides/why-does-my-air-conditioner-smell/
Smell something? Call Darryl on 0410 439 145.
ARCtick AU34570 · 5.0★ from 98 Google reviews · 10-year workmanship warranty on every new installation · Moreton Bay since the 1990s