When your air conditioner is fresh and running right, you shouldn’t be smelling anything strange. Abnormal air conditioner noises and strange smells are a sign that something is out of whack. If your air conditioner is aging or you haven’t had service scheduled recently, they can be a sure sign you need pro air conditioning repair in Ellsworth.
Here are six of the most frequent air conditioner smells and how you can solve them.
1. Central Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If your air conditioner smells bad when turned on, particularly a chemical scent, it isn’t a positive sign. You could also report your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical scents are often a hint that your air conditioner is suffering from a refrigerant leak. Your system needs this gas to transfer heat through copper coils, which can wear out over time.
Four Clues You Are Experiencing a Refrigerant Leak
In addition to the weird smell, here are four other hints that you are dealing with a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner runs.
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Trouble keeping your home comfortable or having your programmed temperature.
- High electrical costs.
How You Can Repair It
A refrigerant leak requires skilled repairs from a heating and cooling company like Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC. Your cooling pro will find and mend the leak before recharging your system with refrigerant.
Fixing a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, based on nationwide averages assembled by HomeAdvisor. Your exact cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how much time it needs to solve.
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high probability it runs on R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. As a result, repairs can be extremely expensive so it may be wisest to consider 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 significant chance you have a natural gas leak in your residence. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to warn you when there’s a leak, since the gas can be fatal in large amounts.
How You Can Fix It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we advise:
- Turning off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home as soon as possible.
- Contacting your gas company immediately.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Individuals who call us about this issue usually mention their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it’s running. Also known as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is usually linked to a filthy evaporator coil that has mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Moisture can also make your home air conditioner smell bad. Dirty sock syndrome is most common in areas where you use heating at night and during the morning before transitioning to cooling later in the day.
How to Solve It
The best way to prevent dirty sock syndrome is to routinely replace your air filter and schedule annual air conditioning maintenance with Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system flowing, as stagnant water can also lead to nasty odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are dealing with air conditioner mildew smell or a strong, vinegar-like odor, it could be caused by several situations, such as:
- A clogged filter
- Excess condensation
- Clogged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Solve It
Check 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 fix the problem, reach Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC at 715-318-6728.
5. Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If you’re dealing with an air conditioner burning smell or that your air conditioner smells like fish, there could be a couple of things wrong. These include:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that requires lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical malfunctions.
Electrical problems should be inspected right away to prevent a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is operating, switch it off and contact us at 715-318-6728 right away.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A powerful ammonia odor means there could be mold flourishing within your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold makes.
How to Repair It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your well-being. That’s why it’s important to have a professional like Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when necessary.
Our Specialists Can Eliminate Odd Air Conditioner Smells Quickly
You deserve to be comfortable in your home and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you need relief from your noxious air conditioner, contact us at 715-318-6728. We’ll determine the trouble quickly and resolve it at a competitive.
