When your air conditioner is fresh and operating correctly, you shouldn’t be smelling anything strange. Unusual air conditioner noises and strange smells are a hint that something is up. If your air conditioner is past its prime or you haven’t had maintenance scheduled recently, they can be a clear sign you need skilled air conditioning repair in Macon.
Here are six of the top air conditioner smells and how you can fix 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 could also observe your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical odors are frequently a sign that your air conditioner is suffering from a refrigerant leak. Your system needs this gas to transfer heat through copper coils, which can wear out over time.
Four hints you are dealing with 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 is operating.
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Trouble keeping your residence comfortable or having your programmed temperature.
- Higher electrical costs.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak needs experienced support from a heating and cooling company like Air Temperature Control. Your cooling professional will find and mend the leak before recharging your system with refrigerant.
Fixing a refrigerant leak usually costs between $225 and $1,600, based on nationwide averages put together by HomeAdvisor. Your precise cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how long it requires to fix.
If your air conditioner was installed early than 2010, there’s a good chance it has R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Because of this, repairs can be extremely expensive so it may be best to schedule air conditioning installation in this instance.
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 significant likelihood you have a natural gas leak in your home. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to signal you when there’s a leak, since the gas can be fatal in big amounts.
How You Can Repair It
If you smell a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we advise:
- Shutting off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Going outside as soon as possible.
- Getting in touch with your gas company immediately.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Homeowners who call us about this situation frequently mention their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it’s on. Also known as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is often caused by a grubby evaporator coil that has mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Condensation can also make your home air conditioner smell bad. Dirty sock syndrome is most common in climates where you turn on heating at night and during the morning before turning on cooling later in the day.
How to Fix It
The best way to prevent dirty sock syndrome is to frequently get a new air filter and schedule regular air conditioning maintenance with Air Temperature Control. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unblocked, since standing water can also lead to nasty odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are experiencing air conditioner mildew smell or an acidic, vinegar-like odor, it can be caused by several situations, like:
- A clogged filter
- Too much condensation
- Blocked condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Resolve It
Examine your filter first. If you haven’t changed it within the last three months and can’t see light through it, we recommend replacing it. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, call Air Temperature Control at 478-202-3170.
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 a couple of things wrong. These entail:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that requires lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical malfunction.
Electrical issues should be inspected immediately to avoid a fire. If you detect burning plastic when your air conditioner is running, shut it off and call us at 478-202-3170 immediately.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A strong ammonia odor means there may be mold growing inside your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold makes.
How to Solve It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your wellness. That’s why it’s important to have a professional like Air Temperature Control examine your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when necessary.
Our Specialists Can Get Rid of Weird Air Conditioner Smells Fast.
You deserve to be comfy in your house and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you are looking for relief from your noxious air conditioner, give us a call at 478-202-3170. We’ll figure out the issue quickly and take care of it at a fair price.