When your air conditioner is fresh and running right, it’s not normal to be smelling anything odd. Out of the ordinary air conditioner noises and weird smells are a sign that something is up. If your air conditioner is aging or you haven’t had maintenance completed within the last year, they can be a clear sign you need skilled air conditioning repair in Redmond.
Here are six of the top 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 notice your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical odors are frequently a clue that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system needs this gas to shift heat through copper coils, which can crack as time passes.
Four Signs You Are Dealing with a Refrigerant Leak
Aside from the weird smell, here are four other clues that you have a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is cooling.
- Ice crystals on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- It’s hard keeping your home cold or having your set temperature.
- Higher energy bills.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak needs experienced assistance from a heating and cooling company like Just Komfort Heating & Cooling. Your cooling pro will locate and fix the leak before recharging your system with refrigerant.
Resolving a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, according to nationwide averages assembled by HomeAdvisor. Your exact cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how long it takes to fix.
If your air conditioner was installed earlier than 2010, it’s likely it runs on R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. As a result, repairs can be extremely expensive so it may be best to schedule 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 good likelihood you have a natural gas leak in your residence. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to signal you when there’s a leak, since the gas can be deadly in large amounts.
How You Can Repair It
If you detect a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we suggest:
- Turning off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home as soon as possible.
- Calling your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Homeowners who reach us to report this situation often share their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it runs. Also called dirty sock syndrome, this smell is usually created by a filthy evaporator coil that has mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Moisture can also make your home air conditioner smell bad. Dirty sock syndrome is most typical in locations where you use heating at night and during the morning before turning on cooling later in the day.
How to Repair It
The best method for preventing dirty sock syndrome is to frequently replace your air filter and schedule yearly air conditioning maintenance with Just Komfort Heating & Cooling. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unclogged, as stagnant water can also result in unpleasant odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are dealing with air conditioner mildew smell or an acidic, vinegar-like odor, it might be prompted by several problems, such as:
- A clogged filter
- Too much condensation
- Clogged condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Resolve It
Check your filter first. If you haven’t put in a new one within the last three months and can’t see light through it, it’s time to replace it. If that doesn’t fix the issue, contact Just Komfort Heating & Cooling at 458-206-0216.
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 couple of things wrong. These involve:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that needs lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical issue.
Electrical problems should be inspected quickly to stop a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is on, shut it off and call us at 458-206-0216 immediately.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
An overpowering ammonia odor means there might be mold present within your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold creates.
How to Fix It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your well-being. That’s why you should have a pro like Just Komfort Heating & Cooling check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when needed.
Our Professionals Can Take Care of Unpleasant Air Conditioner Smells Quickly
You deserve to be comfortable in your house and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you need relief from your stinky air conditioner, give us a call at 458-206-0216. We’ll determine the issue quickly and fix it at a reasonable.
