When your air conditioner is spotless and running properly, you shouldn’t be smelling anything strange. Peculiar 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 a tune-up done lately, they can be a sure sign you need professional air conditioning repair in Port Orchard.
Here are six of the most common air conditioner smells and how you can repair them.
1. Central Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If your air conditioner smells bad when turned on, especially a chemical scent, it isn’t a great sign. You might also report your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical smells are typically a sign that your air conditioner is suffering from a refrigerant leak. Your system needs this gas to move heat through copper coils, which can crack as time passes.
Four clues you are experiencing a refrigerant leak.
Aside from the odd smell, here are four other clues that you are experiencing a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner runs.
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- It’s hard keeping your home cool or having your programmed temperature.
- Higher energy expenses.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak calls for professional support from a heating and cooling company like Air Masters Heating & Cooling. Your cooling specialist will pinpoint and mend the leak before recharging your system with refrigerant.
Repairing a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, based on nationwide averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. Your precise cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how long it takes to repair.
If your air conditioner was installed early than 2010, there’s a good chance it uses R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being made because of its adverse effects on the ozone layer. As a consequence, repairs can be significantly 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 possibly nothing wrong with it. But there’s a high likelihood 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 large amounts.
How You Can Solve It
If you smell a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we suggest:
- Turning off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Evacuating your home right away.
- Contacting your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
People who reach us to report this problem frequently share their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it runs. Also known as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is typically created 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 often seen in areas where you turn on heating at night and during the morning before transitioning to cooling during the afternoon.
How to Repair It
The best way to prevent dirty sock syndrome is to frequently change your air filter and schedule regular air conditioning maintenance with Air Masters Heating & Cooling. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unclogged, since standing water can also lead to unpleasant 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 issues, including:
- A dirty filter
- Excess condensation
- Plugged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Solve It
Inspect your filter first. If you haven’t changed it within the last three months and can’t see light through it, we recommend replacing it. If that doesn’t fix the issue, call Air Masters Heating & Cooling at 360-205-7115.
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 include:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that needs lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical problem.
Electrical problems should be examined immediately to prevent a fire. If you smell burning plastic when your air conditioner is operating, shut it off and contact us at 360-205-7115 right away.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
An overpowering ammonia odor means there could be mold flourishing in your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold creates.
How to Fix It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your wellness. That’s why it’s important to have a professional like Air Masters Heating & Cooling look at your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when needed.
Our Specialists Can Eliminate Odd Air Conditioner Smells Quickly.
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, reach us at 360-205-7115. We’ll diagnose the issue quickly and resolve it at a reasonable.