When your air conditioner is fresh and working right, you shouldn’t be smelling anything strange. Unexpected air conditioner noises and strange smells are a sign that something is out of whack. If your air conditioner is old or you haven’t had service completed recently, they can be a sure sign you need pro air conditioning repair in Bedford.
Here are six of the most frequent air conditioner smells and how you can resolve 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 scents are often a sign that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system uses this gas to move heat through copper coils, which can crack as time goes on.
Four Signs You Are Dealing with a Refrigerant Leak
In addition to 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 on.
- Frost on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Trouble keeping your house comfortable or reaching your programmed temperature.
- High utility bills.
How You Can Repair It
A refrigerant leak calls for experienced repairs from a heating and cooling company like JBR Mechanical. Your cooling technician will pinpoint and fix the leak before recharging your AC with refrigerant.
Repairing a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, according to nationwide averages put together by HomeAdvisor. Your total 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 high probability it has R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its adverse effects on the ozone layer. Due to this, repairs can be very expensive so it may be wisest to consider air conditioning installation in this circumstance.
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 high chance 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 deadly in heavy concentrations.
How You Can Repair It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we suggest:
- Shutting off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home as soon as possible.
- Calling your gas company immediately.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Individuals who contact us regarding this problem usually say their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it runs. Also called dirty sock syndrome, this smell is often caused by a grubby evaporator coil that has mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Moisture 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 transitioning to cooling later in the day.
How to Repair It
The best way to prevent dirty sock syndrome is to frequently get a new air filter and schedule yearly air conditioning maintenance with JBR Mechanical. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system flowing, because excess water can also produce unpleasant odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are dealing with air conditioner mildew smell or a strong, vinegar-like odor, it can be caused by several problems, including:
- A clogged filter
- Extra condensation
- Clogged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Resolve It
Inspect 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 solve the smell, reach JBR Mechanical at 812-266-9785.
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 number of things wrong. These include:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that should have lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical trouble.
Electrical malfunctions should be examined right away to stop a fire. If you smell burning plastic when your air conditioner is on, shut it off and contact us at 812-266-9785 right away.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
An overpowering ammonia odor means there could 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 it’s important to have a professional like JBR Mechanical check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when needed.
Our Pros Can Take Care of Odd Air Conditioner Smells Rapidly
You deserve to be comfy in your residence and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you need relief from your stinky air conditioner, give us a call at 812-266-9785. We’ll determine the issue quickly and resolve it at a fair price.