When your air conditioner is clean and running right, it’s expected you won’t be smelling anything odd. Abnormal air conditioner noises and weird smells are a clue that something is out of whack. If your air conditioner is old or you haven’t had a tune-up scheduled within the last year, they can be a sure sign you need pro air conditioning repair in Longview.
Here are six of the top 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, especially a chemical smell, it isn’t a positive sign. You might also notice your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical odors are frequently a hint that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system uses this gas to move heat through copper coils, which can wear out over time.
Four signs you have a refrigerant leak.
Aside from the strange smell, here are four other signs that you have a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner runs.
- Frost on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Trouble keeping your house cold or achieving your programmed temperature.
- High utility costs.
How You Can Take Care of It
A refrigerant leak requires skilled repairs from a heating and cooling company like Goode Bros AC & Heating. Your cooling technician will locate and repair the leak before recharging your system with refrigerant.
Fixing a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, per nationwide averages assembled by HomeAdvisor. Your precise cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how much time it needs to fix.
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Because of this, repairs can be significantly expensive so it may be wisest to schedule air conditioning installation in this circumstance.
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 good chance you have a natural gas leak in your residence. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to alert you when there’s a leak, as the gas can be toxic in heavy concentrations.
How You Can Repair It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we recommend:
- Turning off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Going outside promptly.
- Contacting your gas company now.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
People who contact us about this problem frequently mention their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it runs. Also referred to as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is often caused by a grubby 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 use heating at night and during the morning before transitioning to cooling during the afternoon.
How to Fix It
The best way to prevent dirty sock syndrome is to regularly get a new air filter and schedule annual air conditioning maintenance with Goode Bros AC & Heating. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unblocked, because stagnant water can also result in noxious odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are dealing with air conditioner mildew smell or an acidic, vinegar-like odor, it can be prompted by several problems, such as:
- A filthy filter
- Excess condensation
- Plugged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Repair It
Examine your filter first. If you haven’t replaced it within the last three months and can’t see light through it, we recommend replacing it. If that doesn’t fix the smell, reach Goode Bros AC & Heating at 903-284-2612.
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 malfunction.
Electrical malfunctions should be examined quickly to avoid a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is running, turn it off and contact us at 903-284-2612 without delay.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
An overpowering ammonia odor means there might be mold growing inside your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold creates.
How to Repair It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your well-being. That’s why you should have a pro like Goode Bros AC & Heating look at your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when necessary.
Our Specialists Can Get Rid of Odd Air Conditioner Smells Quickly.
You deserve to be cozy in your house and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you need relief from your smelly air conditioner, contact us at 903-284-2612. We’ll figure out the problem quickly and fix it at a reasonable.
