When your air conditioner is spotless and operating properly, it’s not normal to be smelling anything strange. Abnormal air conditioner noises and weird smells are a hint that something is up. If your air conditioner is aging or you haven’t had a tune-up done lately, they can be a clear sign you need pro air conditioning repair in Kearney.
Here are six of the most common 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 smell, it isn’t a good sign. You might also observe your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical odors are often a clue that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system relies on this gas to move heat through copper coils, which can wear out as time goes on.
Four Clues You Are Dealing with a Refrigerant Leak
Besides the odd smell, here are four other hints that you are dealing with a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is operating.
- Ice crystals on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Difficulty keeping your house cold or reaching your desired temperature.
- High utility costs.
How You Can Repair It
A refrigerant leak requires skilled assistance from a heating and cooling company like Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning. Your cooling pro will locate and fix the leak before recharging your AC with refrigerant.
Resolving a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, based on nationwide averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. Your exact cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how long it needs to fix.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to 2010, there’s a high probability it uses R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its negative effects on the ozone layer. As a consequence, repairs can be very expensive so it may be wisest to do 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 high 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, as the gas can be toxic in heavy concentrations.
How You Can Repair It
If you detect a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we recommend:
- Switching off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home right away.
- Getting in touch with your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
People who reach us regarding this problem frequently mention their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it’s on. Also referred to as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is typically caused by a dirty 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 transitioning to cooling later in the day.
How to Fix It
The best way to prevent dirty sock syndrome is to regularly replace your air filter and schedule yearly air conditioning maintenance with Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unblocked, since standing water can also create nasty odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are living with air conditioner mildew smell or a strong, vinegar-like odor, it can be the result of several problems, like:
- A filthy filter
- Excess condensation
- Plugged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Repair It
Examine 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 resolve the smell, reach Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning at 308-624-3485.
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 needs lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical malfunctions.
Electrical issues should be examined immediately to prevent a fire. If you detect burning plastic when your air conditioner is running, switch it off and reach us at 308-624-3485 immediately.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A strong ammonia odor means there might be mold spreading within your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold produces.
How to Fix It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your wellness. That’s why it’s important to have a professional like Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when recommended.
Our Professionals Can Eliminate Weird Air Conditioner Smells Fast
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 noxious air conditioner, give us a call at 308-624-3485. We’ll diagnose the issue quickly and take care of it at a fair price.