# Weird pickle-ish smell; Google suggests clogged air conditioner filter **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 20, 2024, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-pickle-ish-smell-google-suggests-clogged-air-conditioner-filter/1003084 "2024-06-20T02:28:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2024, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-pickle-ish-smell-google-suggests-clogged-air-conditioner-filter/1003084/1 "2024-06-20T02:28:56Z")
Earlier this evening, when I was sitting out on my porch reading, I detected a strange pickle-esque smell, which came and went, and at first assumed somebody had cooked something rather fragrant. However, in the meantime, it has worked its way into my sinuses and it’s really nasty. Anyway, Google suggested a clogged A/C filter, and since we’ve had big-time cottonwood seed shedding in recent weeks, that actually makes sense. I did file a work order with the property management office. Those of you who know more about HVAC than I do: Does that make sense? ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2024, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-pickle-ish-smell-google-suggests-clogged-air-conditioner-filter/1003084/2 "2024-06-20T02:59:25Z")
Clean or replace the filter. Don’t wait for Management, it won’t get done until November. If you pay your own electric, you need to regularly clean and/or replace the filter. ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2024, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-pickle-ish-smell-google-suggests-clogged-air-conditioner-filter/1003084/3 "2024-06-20T04:35:08Z")
More likely to be clogged condensate drain, causing mold or some other humid-loving microbes to grow. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2024, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-pickle-ish-smell-google-suggests-clogged-air-conditioner-filter/1003084/4 "2024-06-20T04:56:33Z")
Our property’s management is really good about repairs. It won’t be stinky until November. In the meantime, I dusted off my Neti Pot and used it. ---
**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2024, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-pickle-ish-smell-google-suggests-clogged-air-conditioner-filter/1003084/5 "2024-06-20T15:42:13Z")
I know what you’re talking about in the op. One of my trucks at work has that smell, reminiscent of dill, in the cargo box. This spring was a bit wetter, and low, in one corner there was a leak and a mushroom growing. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2024, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-pickle-ish-smell-google-suggests-clogged-air-conditioner-filter/1003084/6 "2024-06-20T16:37:27Z")
The filter in an HVAC system is in the circulating air duct. It is not going to have cottonwood fluffs in it. They can certainly clog the outdoor unit’s condenser but that should not make a smell.