When your air conditioner is spotless and running correctly, you shouldn’t be smelling anything weird. Unexpected air conditioner noises and odd smells are a hint that something is wrong. If your air conditioner is past its prime or you haven’t had a tune-up done within the last year, they can be a clear sign you need professional air conditioning repair in Derby.
Here are six of the most frequent air conditioner smells and how you can resolve them.
1. Central Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If your air conditioner smells bad when turned on, specifically a chemical scent, it isn’t a positive sign. You may also notice your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical scents are frequently a hint that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system relies on this gas to move heat through copper coils, which can wear out as time goes on.
Four hints you have a refrigerant leak.
Aside from the weird smell, here are four other clues that you are dealing with a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is on.
- Frost on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Difficulty keeping your residence cold or achieving your programmed temperature.
- Higher energy expenses.
How You Can Repair It
A refrigerant leak calls for skilled support from a heating and cooling company like Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning. Your cooling professional will locate and fix the leak before recharging your system with refrigerant.
Repairing a refrigerant leak usually costs between $225 and $1,600, based on nationwide averages put together by HomeAdvisor. Your total cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how many hours it takes to repair.
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it’s likely it has R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its negative effects on the ozone layer. As a consequence, repairs can be extremely expensive so it may be smartest to schedule air conditioning installation in this circumstance.
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 good 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 deadly in heavy concentrations.
How You Can Fix It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we suggest:
- Turning off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home promptly.
- Getting in touch with your gas company now.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
People who contact us about this situation often report their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it’s on. Also referred to as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is typically caused by a dirty evaporator coil that has mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Condensation can also make your home air conditioner smell bad. Dirty sock syndrome is most typical in areas where you use heating at night and during the morning before transitioning to cooling during the afternoon.
How to Fix It
The best approach for preventing dirty sock syndrome is to regularly change your air filter and schedule routine air conditioning maintenance with Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unblocked, as stagnant 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 prompted by several problems, including:
- A dirty filter
- Too much condensation
- Blocked condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Repair It
Examine your filter first. If you haven’t put in a new one within the last three months and can’t see light through it, we recommend replacing it. If that doesn’t solve the smell, contact Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning at 203-772-8319.
5. Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If you’re noticing 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 should have lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical malfunction.
Electrical malfunctions should be inspected immediately to prevent a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is operating, switch it off and contact us at 203-772-8319 immediately.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A powerful ammonia odor means there may be mold flourishing inside 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 we recommend having a professional like Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when recommended.
Our Specialists Can Eliminate Weird Air Conditioner Smells Quickly.
You deserve to be cozy in your house and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you are looking for relief from your smelly air conditioner, give us a call at 203-772-8319. We’ll figure out the trouble quickly and take care of it at a fair price.