When your air conditioner is spotless and running properly, it’s expected you won’t be smelling anything odd. Peculiar air conditioner noises and weird smells are a hint that something is out of whack. If your air conditioner is old or you haven’t had service completed lately, they can be a clear sign you need skilled air conditioning repair in Longview.
Here are six of the most common 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, particularly a chemical odor, it isn’t a great sign. You may also report your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical smells are frequently a sign that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system needs this gas to transfer heat through copper coils, which can wear out as time passes.
Four hints you are experiencing a refrigerant leak.
Besides the weird smell, here are four other hints that you have a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is on.
- Ice crystals on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Difficulty keeping your house comfortable or having your desired temperature.
- Higher electrical costs.
How You Can Take Care of It
A refrigerant leak calls for experienced support from a heating and cooling company like Goode Bros AC & Heating. Your cooling pro will locate and repair the leak before recharging your AC with refrigerant.
Resolving a refrigerant leak often 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 much time it requires to fix.
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high probability it has R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being made because of its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Consequently, repairs can be significantly expensive so it may be best 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 significant probability you have a natural gas leak in your house. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to alert you when there’s a leak, since the gas can be fatal in heavy concentrations.
How You Can Repair It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we suggest:
- Turning off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Going outside right away.
- Contacting your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
People who reach us regarding this issue usually 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 frequently linked to a dirty 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 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 method for preventing dirty sock syndrome is to regularly change your air filter and schedule annual air conditioning maintenance with Goode Bros AC & Heating. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unclogged, as excess water can also result in nasty odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are dealing with air conditioner mildew smell or an acidic, vinegar-like odor, it might be caused by several problems, like:
- A clogged filter
- Extra condensation
- Clogged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Solve It
Check 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 fix the problem, contact Goode Bros AC & Heating at 903-284-2612.
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 include:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that requires lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical malfunction.
Electrical issues should be checked immediately to stop a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is running, shut it off and reach us at 903-284-2612 right away.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A powerful ammonia odor means there may be mold present 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 wellness. That’s why we recommend having a professional like Goode Bros AC & Heating check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when recommended.
Our Pros Can Take Care of Odd Air Conditioner Smells Quickly.
You deserve to be comfy in your house and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you need relief from your smelly air conditioner, reach us at 903-284-2612. We’ll figure out the problem quickly and fix it at a reasonable.
