When your air conditioner is fresh and working right, it’s not normal to be smelling anything weird. Out of the ordinary air conditioner noises and weird smells are a hint that something is off. If your air conditioner is aging or you haven’t had maintenance done within the last year, they can be an obvious sign you need professional air conditioning repair in Haines City.
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, especially a chemical smell, it isn’t a great sign. You could also report your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical odors are regularly a hint that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system needs this gas to move heat through copper coils, which can break out over time.
Four hints you are dealing with a refrigerant leak.
Besides 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 home cold or reaching your desired temperature.
- High electrical expenses.
How You Can Repair It
A refrigerant leak requires skilled support from a heating and cooling company like Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.. Your cooling technician will locate and repair the leak before recharging your air conditioner with refrigerant.
Fixing a refrigerant leak often costs between $225 and $1,600, according to nationwide averages assembled by HomeAdvisor. Your total cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how long it requires to solve.
If your air conditioner was installed early than 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. Consequently, repairs can be significantly expensive so it may be wisest to consider air conditioning installation in this instance.
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 warn you when there’s a leak, as the gas can be deadly in large amounts.
How You Can Fix It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we suggest:
- Turning off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Evacuating your home right away.
- Contacting your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Homeowners who reach us about this situation often report their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it runs. Also called dirty sock syndrome, this smell is typically linked to 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 turning on cooling during the afternoon.
How to Repair It
The best approach for preventing dirty sock syndrome is to frequently get a new air filter and schedule regular air conditioning maintenance with Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system flowing, as standing water can also result in unpleasant odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are dealing with air conditioner mildew smell or a pungent, vinegar-like odor, it can be the result of several problems, including:
- A dirty filter
- Too much condensation
- Clogged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Solve It
Examine your filter first. If you haven’t changed it within the last three months and can’t see light through it, you should replace it. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, reach Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. at 863-216-2923.
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 a number of things wrong. These entail:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that requires lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical problem.
Electrical issues should be checked quickly to avoid a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is operating, turn it off and call us at 863-216-2923 without delay.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A powerful ammonia odor means there may be mold present in 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 Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when recommended.
Our Pros Can Get Rid of Weird Air Conditioner Smells Fast.
You deserve to be cozy in your residence and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you need relief from your stinky air conditioner, reach us at 863-216-2923. We’ll diagnose the trouble quickly and take care of it at a fair price.