When your air conditioner is spotless and running correctly, it’s expected you won’t be smelling anything odd. Abnormal air conditioner noises and strange smells are a sign that something is up. If your air conditioner is old or you haven’t had service done recently, they can be a clear sign you need professional air conditioning repair in Erie.
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, specifically a chemical smell, it isn’t a good sign. You might also notice your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical scents are typically a hint that your air conditioner is suffering from a refrigerant leak. Your system relies on this gas to transfer heat through copper coils, which can wear out as time passes.
Four signs you are dealing with a refrigerant leak.
In addition to the strange smell, here are four other hints that you have a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is operating.
- Frost on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Difficulty keeping your house cool or reaching your set temperature.
- Increasing energy bills.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak calls for professional support from a heating and cooling company like Patterson & Stirling. Your cooling technician will pinpoint and mend the leak before recharging your system with refrigerant.
Repairing a refrigerant leak usually costs between $225 and $1,600, according to nationwide averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. Your exact cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how much time it takes to solve.
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 made because of its negative effects on the ozone layer. As a consequence, repairs can be very expensive so it may be best to schedule air conditioning installation in this situation.
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 high chance you have a natural gas leak in your residence. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to warn you when there’s a leak, as the gas can be fatal in heavy concentrations.
How You Can Fix It
If you detect a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we recommend:
- Switching off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home as soon as possible.
- Getting in touch with your gas company immediately.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Individuals who call us to report this situation frequently share their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it’s running. Also called 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 common in climates where you turn on heating at night and during the morning before transitioning to cooling during the afternoon.
How to Repair It
The best way to prevent dirty sock syndrome is to frequently get a new air filter and schedule regular air conditioning maintenance with Patterson & Stirling. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unblocked, since stagnant water can also create noxious odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are living with air conditioner mildew smell or a pungent, vinegar-like odor, it might be prompted by several issues, including:
- A clogged filter
- Excess 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 solve the issue, reach Patterson & Stirling at 814-308-0416.
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 include:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that needs lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical problem.
Electrical malfunctions should be examined immediately to avoid a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is running, turn it off and call us at 814-308-0416 immediately.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
An overpowering ammonia odor means there might be mold growing within your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold creates.
How to Solve It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your health. That’s why we recommend having a professional like Patterson & Stirling check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when recommended.
Our Specialists Can Take Care of Strange Air Conditioner Smells Rapidly.
You deserve to be comfortable in your house and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you are looking for relief from your stinky air conditioner, give us a call at 814-308-0416. We’ll figure out the issue quickly and resolve it at a competitive.
