When your air conditioner is fresh and working correctly, it’s not normal to be smelling anything weird. Out of the ordinary air conditioner noises and odd smells are a sign that something is up. If your air conditioner is old or you haven’t had service scheduled within the last year, they can be an obvious sign you need skilled air conditioning repair in Huntsville.
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, particularly a chemical smell, it isn’t a great sign. You might also notice your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical odors are often a sign that your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak. Your system relies on this gas to shift heat through copper coils, which can crack over time.
Four hints you have a refrigerant leak.
Besides the strange smell, here are four other clues that you are dealing with a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner runs.
- Frost on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- It’s hard keeping your residence cool or having your desired temperature.
- Higher energy costs.
How You Can Take Care of It
A refrigerant leak requires skilled assistance from a heating and cooling company like All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Your cooling technician will locate and mend the leak before recharging your AC with refrigerant.
Repairing a refrigerant leak usually costs between $225 and $1,600, according to nationwide averages put together by HomeAdvisor. Your total cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how long it requires to repair.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to 2010, it’s likely it runs on R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Consequently, repairs can be extremely expensive so it may be best to schedule air conditioning installation in this circumstance.
2. Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs, there’s likely nothing wrong with it. But there’s a high probability 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 deadly in large amounts.
How You Can Solve It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we recommend:
- Shutting off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home right away.
- Getting in touch with your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Homeowners who call us regarding this situation often share 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 often created by a dirty 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 typical in climates where you need heating at night and during the morning before transitioning to cooling later in the day.
How to Fix It
The best approach for preventing dirty sock syndrome is to frequently get a new air filter and schedule routine air conditioning maintenance with All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unblocked, because excess water can also lead to noxious odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are experiencing air conditioner mildew smell or a strong, vinegar-like odor, it could be prompted by several issues, like:
- A dirty filter
- Excess condensation
- Blocked condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Solve 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, it’s time to replace it. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, reach All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc at 256-801-4701.
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 several things wrong. These include:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that needs lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical issue.
Electrical problems should be checked right away to stop a fire. If you detect burning plastic when your air conditioner is running, switch it off and contact us at 256-801-4701 right away.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A powerful ammonia odor means there could be mold growing inside your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold produces.
How to Fix It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your wellness. That’s why you should have a pro like All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when needed.
Our Professionals Can Take Care of Weird Air Conditioner Smells Fast.
You deserve to be comfy in your residence and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you are looking for relief from your smelly air conditioner, reach us at 256-801-4701. We’ll determine the issue quickly and take care of it at a fair price.