Co2 smell in fridge

I recently added an STC-1000 to my deep freeze for a fermentation chamber. I set it at 65 degrees and put two buckets in with a Fat Tire and a Crooked Tree (all grain clone recipes), one with dry yeast and the other with a smack pack. I checked on them after a couple days and didn't notice any bubbling in the air locks but they were the first day. So, I pressed on the lids like I did before I had the fermentation chamber and the smell was horrible and burned my nose. From what I've researched it's just the co2 correct? Did I always have this before when I just left them on the basement shelf and didn't notice because it wasn't in an enclosed space? I peeked into the Fat Tire and it looked normal. I did the batches just the same as before and sanitized with Star San. Vodka was used in the air locks both times.

The smell is normal. You notice it more because of the confined space of the fermentation chamber.

You deserve a beer for the quick response. Thank you.

I'm jealous that you have two in your chamber and I now have zero! Your good man:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/ether-smell-my-ferminting-fridge-346109/