When your air conditioner is spotless and working properly, it’s expected you won’t be smelling anything odd. Out of the ordinary air conditioner noises and weird smells are a clue that something is off. If your air conditioner is past its prime or you haven’t had maintenance scheduled recently, they can be a sure sign you need skilled air conditioning repair in Wyandotte.
Here are six of the most frequent 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, especially a chemical scent, it isn’t a good sign. You might also report your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical scents are often a sign that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system relies on this gas to transfer heat through copper coils, which can crack as time passes.
Four Signs You Are Dealing with a Refrigerant Leak
Aside from the strange smell, here are four other hints that you are experiencing a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner runs.
- Ice crystals on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Difficulty keeping your home cool or reaching your programmed temperature.
- Higher electrical bills.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak needs skilled support from a heating and cooling company like Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. Your cooling specialist will pinpoint and fix the leak before recharging your system with refrigerant.
Repairing a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, according to nationwide averages put together by HomeAdvisor. Your exact cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how much time it requires to repair.
If your air conditioner was installed earlier than 2010, it’s likely it has R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Consequently, 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 significant chance you have a natural gas leak in your house. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to warn you when there’s a leak, since the gas can be toxic in large amounts.
How You Can Repair It
If you smell a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we advise:
- Shutting off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home as soon as possible.
- Contacting your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Individuals who reach us to report this problem usually report 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 typically 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 typical in areas where you turn on 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 frequently replace your air filter and schedule annual air conditioning maintenance with Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system flowing, since standing water can also create unpleasant odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are experiencing air conditioner mildew smell or an acidic, vinegar-like odor, it might be the result of several problems, such as:
- A clogged filter
- Too much condensation
- Clogged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Fix It
Inspect your filter first. If you haven’t put in a new one within the last three months and can’t see light through it, you should replace it. If that doesn’t fix the smell, call Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning at 734-284-1224.
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 a couple of things wrong. These involve:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that requires lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical problem.
Electrical issues should be checked right away to prevent a fire. If you detect burning plastic when your air conditioner is on, shut it off and contact us at 734-284-1224 immediately.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A powerful 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 Repair It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your well-being. That’s why we recommend having a pro like Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning look at your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when necessary.
Our Professionals Can Eliminate Unpleasant Air Conditioner Smells Fast
You deserve to be cozy in your home 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 734-284-1224. We’ll figure out the problem quickly and resolve it at a fair price.
