When your air conditioner is fresh and operating properly, it’s expected you won’t be smelling anything strange. Peculiar air conditioner noises and odd smells are a clue that something is out of whack. If your air conditioner is aging or you haven’t had a tune-up done recently, they can be a sure sign you need skilled air conditioning repair in South Beloit and Belvidere.
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 positive sign. You could also observe your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical odors are regularly a sign that your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak. Your system uses this gas to shift heat through copper coils, which can break out over time.
Four Clues You Are Experiencing a Refrigerant Leak
Aside from the weird smell, here are four other signs that you have a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is cooling.
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- It’s hard keeping your house cold or reaching your set temperature.
- Higher energy expenses.
How You Can Take Care of It
A refrigerant leak calls for skilled support from a heating and cooling company like Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Your cooling specialist will locate and repair the leak before recharging your system with refrigerant.
Resolving 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 many hours it requires to fix.
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 manufactured as a result of its negative effects on the ozone layer. Due to this, repairs can be very 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 high likelihood you have a natural gas leak in your home. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to alert you when there’s a leak, since the gas can be toxic in large amounts.
How You Can Fix It
If you smell a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we suggest:
- Turning off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Evacuating your home as soon as possible.
- Calling your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Individuals who reach us about this situation frequently mention their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it runs. Also known as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is frequently caused by a grubby 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 turning on cooling during the afternoon.
How to Repair It
The best way to prevent dirty sock syndrome is to frequently get a new air filter and schedule regular air conditioning maintenance with Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system flowing, as excess water can also result in unpleasant odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are living with air conditioner mildew smell or a strong, vinegar-like odor, it can be caused by several situations, like:
- A dirty filter
- Excess condensation
- Blocked condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Repair It
Inspect your filter first. If you haven’t changed it within the last three months and can’t see light through it, it’s time to replace it. If that doesn’t solve the problem, call Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc at 877-389-2465.
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 involve:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that requires lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical malfunctions.
Electrical problems should be checked immediately to stop a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is on, switch it off and reach us at 877-389-2465 right away.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A powerful ammonia odor means there could be mold spreading within 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 professional like Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc examine your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when necessary.
Our Specialists Can Get Rid of Strange Air Conditioner Smells Quickly
You deserve to be cozy in your home and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you are seeking relief from your smelly air conditioner, contact us at 877-389-2465. We’ll diagnose the problem quickly and fix it at a fair price.
