You turn on the air conditioner and suddenly notice something strange coming from the vents: a fishy smell.

What in the world is causing that?

In this episode of the Home & Life Comfort Podcast, we break down what a fishy smell from your AC could be telling you and why it’s not something you should simply cover up with an air freshener.

One possible culprit is moisture getting into your ductwork or insulation. Here in southeastern North Carolina, damp crawl spaces, standing water, plumbing leaks, high humidity, and wet duct insulation can all create odors that get carried into your home when the HVAC system starts running.

But there’s another possibility you shouldn't overlook: an overheating electrical component can sometimes create an odor people describe as fishy or similar to hot plastic.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why wet duct insulation can create strange odors
• Why your crawl space may be the first place to investigate
• How attic leaks can affect ductwork
• Why drying wet insulation doesn't always solve the problem
• When damaged duct insulation may need to be replaced
• Why a fishy smell could indicate an electrical issue
• When you should turn your HVAC system off and call a professional

The biggest lesson is simple: don't just treat the smell. Find out what's causing it.

Your HVAC system shouldn't make your house smell fishy. If it does, that odor may be your warning that water or another problem is somewhere it shouldn't be.

🎙️ Home & Life Comfort Podcast with Derek Cole

Practical heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and home comfort advice to help homeowners understand their HVAC systems and make better decisions for their homes.