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Why does my air conditioner smell in fan mode and how can I fix it?

You may notice an odor when using Fan mode. This happens because condensation isn't produced during this mode, allowing trapped odor particles inside the unit to spread into the room.

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TroubleshootingAir Conditioners

What to Check First

  1. Open the windows and run Cooling mode at 18°C (64°F) for at least one hour.
  2. Dry the inside of the unit using Fan mode or the Auto Dry feature.
  3. Wash the pre-filter with water.
  4. Check and replace the filter if necessary.
  5. Run the [AI Heat Exchanger Cleaning] or [All Cleaning] feature.
  6. Do not spray cleaners or air fresheners directly inside the air conditioner. This can damage the unit or make odors worse.
  7. Drying the inside of the unit and cleaning the heat exchanger are most effective on clear, dry days.
  8. The [AI Heat Exchanger Cleaning] and [All Cleaning] features are available on select models from 2022 and newer. See your owner’s manual for details.
  9. [Cooling Mode] ① Start cooling mode.
  10. ② Condensation containing indoor odor particles is created.

Why This Can Happen

Symptoms can have more than one cause, and the correct steps depend on the exact model, installation and operating conditions. Use the checks above to narrow the issue before service.

Safety and Model-Specific Guidance

Stop troubleshooting if you notice burning, electrical damage, unsafe heat, gas odor, refrigerant concerns, or water near electrical components. Follow the official LG USA instructions for your exact model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check first for Why does my air conditioner smell in fan mode and how can I fix it??

Open the windows and run Cooling mode at 18°C (64°F) for at least one hour.

When should I stop troubleshooting and contact LG?

Stop if the product shows signs of electrical damage, burning, leaking near electrical components, or if the recommended checks do not resolve the issue. Use LG USA support for model-specific service guidance.

Does this guidance apply to every LG model?

Not always. Controls, error codes and service steps can differ by model. Confirm the exact model number and follow the linked LG USA article for model-specific instructions.

Related LG Products

These model pages are linked because the stored category or exact model matches this Help Library topic.

Buying Guides for This Product Type

Household use caseAir Conditioner Family & High-Use Household GuidePerformance & capacityAir Conditioner Performance, Capacity & Everyday-Use GuideEfficiency & running costAir Conditioner Efficiency, Energy & Running-Cost GuideFeatures & valueAir Conditioner Features Worth Paying For — Value Guide

Related Help Articles

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Read the Official LG Guide