When your air conditioner is fresh and operating correctly, it’s not normal to be smelling anything odd. Abnormal air conditioner noises and odd smells are a sign that something is out of whack. If your air conditioner is past its prime or you haven’t had service scheduled lately, they can be an obvious sign you need pro air conditioning repair in Jefferson.
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, specifically a chemical smell, it isn’t a positive sign. You might also report your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical smells are regularly a clue that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system needs this gas to shift heat through copper coils, which can crack over time.
Four clues you are dealing with a refrigerant leak.
In addition to the strange smell, here are four other clues that you are experiencing a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is on.
- Ice crystals on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- It’s hard keeping your residence cold or reaching your desired temperature.
- Higher utility bills.
How You Can Repair It
A refrigerant leak needs professional support from a heating and cooling company like Pratt Brothers. Your cooling pro will locate and repair the leak before recharging your AC with refrigerant.
Fixing a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, according to nationwide averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. Your total cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how long it requires to solve.
If your air conditioner was installed early than 2010, there’s a high probability it has R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being made due to its adverse effects on the ozone layer. Consequently, repairs can be extremely expensive so it may be best to consider 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 likelihood you have a natural gas leak in your house. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to signal you when there’s a leak, since the gas can be fatal in heavy concentrations.
How You Can Repair It
If you detect a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we advise:
- Shutting off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home as soon as possible.
- Calling your gas company now.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Homeowners who call us regarding this problem often say 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 usually caused by 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 typical in climates where you use heating at night and during the morning before transitioning to cooling later on.
How to Repair It
The best method for preventing dirty sock syndrome is to routinely change your air filter and schedule yearly air conditioning maintenance with Pratt Brothers. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unblocked, since excess water can also create noxious 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 the result of several situations, such as:
- A dirty filter
- Excess condensation
- Plugged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Repair It
Inspect your filter first. If you haven’t replaced it within the last three months and can’t see light through it, it’s time to replace it. If that doesn’t resolve the smell, call Pratt Brothers at 920-347-8495.
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 requires lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical problem.
Electrical problems should be checked quickly to prevent a fire. If you smell burning plastic when your air conditioner is operating, shut it off and reach us at 920-347-8495 without delay.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
An overpowering ammonia odor means there might be mold flourishing inside your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold makes.
How to Fix It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your health. That’s why it’s important to have a professional like Pratt Brothers check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when necessary.
Our Professionals Can Eliminate Unpleasant Air Conditioner Smells Rapidly.
You deserve to be comfy in your home and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you are seeking relief from your noxious air conditioner, give us a call at 920-347-8495. We’ll diagnose the problem quickly and take care of it at a fair price.