When your air conditioner is fresh and operating properly, you shouldn’t be smelling anything strange. Unusual air conditioner noises and strange smells are a clue that something is up. If your air conditioner is past its prime or you haven’t had service scheduled lately, they can be a sure sign you need pro air conditioning repair in Warrenton.
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, particularly a chemical scent, it isn’t a great sign. You might also observe your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical smells are regularly a hint that your air conditioner is suffering from a refrigerant leak. Your system uses this gas to transfer heat through copper coils, which can wear out over time.
Four Signs You Have a Refrigerant Leak
Besides the odd smell, here are four other clues that you are dealing with a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner runs.
- Ice crystals on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- It’s hard keeping your residence cool or achieving your set temperature.
- Increasing energy expenses.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak requires professional support from a heating and cooling company like Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning. Your cooling technician will locate and repair the leak before recharging your air conditioner with refrigerant.
Resolving a refrigerant leak often costs between $225 and $1,600, according to nationwide averages assembled by HomeAdvisor. Your exact cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how many hours it takes to solve.
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high probability it runs on R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a result of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Because of this, repairs can be significantly 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 alert you when there’s a leak, as the gas can be deadly in big amounts.
How You Can Fix It
If you smell a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we advise:
- Shutting off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Going outside promptly.
- Calling your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Individuals who call us regarding this situation frequently mention 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 usually caused 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 typical in locations where you need heating at night and during the morning before switching to cooling later in the day.
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 Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unblocked, because standing water can also create nasty odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are experiencing air conditioner mildew smell or a strong, vinegar-like odor, it can be prompted by several issues, such as:
- A filthy filter
- Excess condensation
- Clogged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Fix It
Examine your filter first. If you haven’t replaced it within the last three months and can’t see light through it, you should replace it. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, call Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning at 636-456-5041.
5. Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic
If you’re dealing with an air conditioner burning smell or that your air conditioner smells like fish, there could be several things wrong. These entail:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that should have lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical trouble.
Electrical problems should be examined immediately to stop a fire. If you detect burning plastic when your air conditioner is operating, turn it off and call us at 636-456-5041 without delay.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A powerful ammonia odor means there may be mold spreading in your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold produces.
How to Solve It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your health. That’s why you should have a pro like Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when recommended.
Our Professionals Can Get Rid of Odd Air Conditioner Smells Fast
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 noxious air conditioner, contact us at 636-456-5041. We’ll diagnose the problem quickly and fix it at a reasonable.