When your air conditioner is fresh and running correctly, you shouldn’t be smelling anything weird. Abnormal air conditioner noises and weird smells are a sign that something is wrong. If your air conditioner is aging or you haven’t had a tune-up done lately, they can be a clear sign you need pro air conditioning repair in Arlington.
Here are six of the most frequent air conditioner smells and how you can fix 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 positive sign. You may also report your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical smells are often a clue 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 Signs You Have a Refrigerant Leak
In addition to the strange smell, here are four other signs that you are experiencing a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is on.
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Difficulty keeping your residence cold or achieving your programmed temperature.
- High energy bills.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak needs skilled support from a heating and cooling company like Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning. Your cooling pro will locate and repair the leak before recharging your system with refrigerant.
Resolving 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 needs to repair.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to 2010, it’s likely it has R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being made due to its negative effects on the ozone layer. Consequently, repairs can be very expensive so it may be wisest to schedule air conditioning installation in this situation.
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 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, because the gas can be toxic in heavy concentrations.
How You Can Repair It
If you smell a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we advise:
- Shutting off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Going outside promptly.
- Getting in touch with your gas company now.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Individuals who call us to report this situation frequently 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 typically created by a dirty 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 need heating at night and during the morning before switching to cooling later in the day.
How to Repair It
The best way to prevent dirty sock syndrome is to frequently get a new air filter and schedule routine air conditioning maintenance with Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unblocked, because standing water can also create nasty odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are experiencing air conditioner mildew smell or a strong, vinegar-like odor, it could be caused by several problems, such as:
- A dirty filter
- Too much condensation
- Blocked condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Resolve 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, you should replace it. If that doesn’t solve the problem, contact Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning at 360-255-5857.
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 entail:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that requires lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical problem.
Electrical malfunctions should be checked right away to stop a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is on, shut it off and call us at 360-255-5857 without delay.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A strong ammonia odor means there could be mold spreading inside your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold produces.
How to Repair It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your well-being. That’s why we recommend having a specialist like Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning examine your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when necessary.
Our Specialists Can Take Care of Odd Air Conditioner Smells Fast
You deserve to be cozy in your residence and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you are seeking relief from your stinky air conditioner, give us a call at 360-255-5857. We’ll diagnose the trouble quickly and fix it at a fair price.