When your air conditioner is clean and operating properly, it’s not normal to be smelling anything strange. Peculiar air conditioner noises and odd smells are a hint that something is off. If your air conditioner is old or you haven’t had service completed within the last year, they can be a clear sign you need pro air conditioning repair in Tannersville.
Here are six of the most common air conditioner smells and how you can repair them.
1. Central Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If your air conditioner smells bad when turned on, especially a chemical odor, it isn’t a good sign. You may also observe your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical smells are frequently a hint that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system relies on this gas to move heat through copper coils, which can wear out as time goes on.
Four Hints You Are Experiencing a Refrigerant Leak
Aside from the odd smell, here are four other clues that you are experiencing a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner runs.
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- It’s hard keeping your house cold or having your programmed temperature.
- High energy bills.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak calls for skilled support from a heating and cooling company like Speed Air. Your cooling professional will pinpoint and mend the leak before recharging your air conditioner with refrigerant.
Resolving a refrigerant leak usually costs between $225 and $1,600, according to nationwide averages assembled by HomeAdvisor. Your exact cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how long it needs to repair.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its adverse effects on the ozone layer. Due to this, repairs can be very expensive so it may be smartest to schedule air conditioning installation in this instance.
2. Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs, there’s possibly nothing wrong with it. But there’s a good probability you have a natural gas leak in your house. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to signal you when there’s a leak, because the gas can be deadly in large amounts.
How You Can Fix It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we suggest:
- Shutting off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home promptly.
- Calling your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
People who call us about this problem usually report their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it’s on. Also known as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is typically created by a grubby evaporator coil that has mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Moisture can also make your home air conditioner smell bad. Dirty sock syndrome is most often seen in locations where you need heating at night and during the morning before switching to cooling during the afternoon.
How to Fix It
The best way to prevent dirty sock syndrome is to frequently change your air filter and schedule regular air conditioning maintenance with Speed Air. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unclogged, since standing water can also lead to noxious odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are living with air conditioner mildew smell or a pungent, vinegar-like odor, it can be caused by several issues, like:
- A dirty filter
- Excess condensation
- Blocked condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Fix It
Examine your filter first. If you haven’t put in a new one within the last three months and can’t see light through it, we recommend replacing it. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, reach Speed Air at 800-941-0247.
5. Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If you’re noticing an air conditioner burning smell or that your air conditioner smells like fish, there could be a number of things wrong. These involve:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that should have lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical problem.
Electrical issues should be inspected quickly to prevent a fire. If you smell burning plastic when your air conditioner is operating, shut it off and reach us at 800-941-0247 without delay.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A strong ammonia odor means there might be mold spreading in your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold creates.
How to Solve It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your wellness. That’s why it’s important to have a professional like Speed Air examine your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when recommended.
Our Professionals Can Take Care of Odd Air Conditioner Smells Fast
You deserve to be comfy in your house and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you need relief from your noxious air conditioner, reach us at 800-941-0247. We’ll determine the trouble quickly and take care of it at a reasonable.