When your air conditioner is clean and operating properly, you shouldn’t be smelling anything strange. Unusual air conditioner noises and strange smells are a clue that something is wrong. If your air conditioner is getting older or you haven’t had maintenance scheduled within the last year, they can be a clear sign you need pro air conditioning repair in Greensburg.
Here are six of the most common air conditioner smells and how you can resolve 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 great sign. You may also report your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical smells are frequently a sign that your air conditioner is suffering from a refrigerant leak. Your system uses this gas to shift heat through copper coils, which can wear out as time goes on.
Four Signs You Are Experiencing a Refrigerant Leak
Besides the strange smell, here are four other clues that you have a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is operating.
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Difficulty keeping your home cold or having your programmed temperature.
- Increasing energy expenses.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak calls for professional support from a heating and cooling company like Wallpe Heating & Cooling. Your cooling professional will find and fix the leak before recharging your air conditioner with refrigerant.
Resolving a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, per nationwide averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. Your exact cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how many hours it requires to fix.
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high probability it uses R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. As a result, repairs can be significantly 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 probably nothing wrong with it. But there’s a high chance you have a natural gas leak in your house. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to warn you when there’s a leak, because the gas can be fatal in big amounts.
How You Can Repair It
If you detect a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we suggest:
- Shutting off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home right away.
- Getting in touch with your gas company immediately.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Homeowners who call us to report this issue often mention their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it runs. Also called dirty sock syndrome, this smell is frequently caused by a filthy evaporator coil that has mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Excess water can also make your home air conditioner smell bad. Dirty sock syndrome is most common in locations where you need heating at night and during the morning before switching to cooling later on.
How to Fix It
The best method for preventing dirty sock syndrome is to routinely change your air filter and schedule annual air conditioning maintenance with Wallpe Heating & Cooling. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unclogged, as stagnant water can also create unpleasant odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are experiencing air conditioner mildew smell or a strong, vinegar-like odor, it might be the result of several issues, such as:
- A dirty filter
- Too much condensation
- Plugged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Resolve It
Inspect your filter first. If you haven’t replaced it within the last three months and can’t see light through it, we recommend replacing it. If that doesn’t solve the issue, contact Wallpe Heating & Cooling at 812-663-7252.
5. Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If you’re experiencing 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 issue.
Electrical issues should be inspected quickly to prevent a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is on, switch it off and call us at 812-663-7252 immediately.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A strong ammonia odor means there could be mold present 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 we recommend having a pro like Wallpe Heating & Cooling check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when needed.
Our Professionals Can Eliminate Odd Air Conditioner Smells Fast
You deserve to be comfortable in your residence and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you are seeking relief from your stinky air conditioner, contact us at 812-663-7252. We’ll diagnose the problem quickly and fix it at a reasonable.