When your air conditioner is spotless and operating properly, you shouldn’t be smelling anything weird. Unexpected air conditioner noises and strange smells are a hint that something is off. If your air conditioner is getting older or you haven’t had service completed within the last year, they can be a clear sign you need skilled air conditioning repair in Weatherford.
Here are six of the top air conditioner smells and how you can solve them.
1. Central Air Conditioner Smells Like Chemicals
If your air conditioner smells bad when turned on, particularly a chemical scent, 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 smells are typically a sign that your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak. Your system uses this gas to move heat through copper coils, which can break out over time.
Four Clues You Have a Refrigerant Leak
In addition to the weird smell, here are four other clues that you are experiencing a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner runs.
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Trouble keeping your home cold or reaching your programmed temperature.
- Increasing utility bills.
How You Can Repair It
A refrigerant leak requires experienced assistance from a heating and cooling company like Parker County Cooling & Heating. Your cooling technician will locate and repair the leak before recharging your system with refrigerant.
Repairing a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, based on nationwide averages assembled by HomeAdvisor. Your precise cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how much time it takes to fix.
If your air conditioner was installed earlier than 2010, it’s likely it has R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. As a consequence, repairs can be extremely expensive so it may be smartest to schedule air conditioning installation in this situation.
2. Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas
If your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs, there’s possibly nothing wrong with it. But there’s a significant probability you have a natural gas leak in your home. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to warn you when there’s a leak, as the gas can be toxic in heavy concentrations.
How You Can Fix It
If you detect a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we recommend:
- Turning off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Evacuating your home promptly.
- Getting in touch with your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
People who contact us regarding this problem frequently report their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it runs. Also known as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is usually linked to 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 locations where you turn on heating at night and during the morning before turning on cooling later on.
How to Solve It
The best method for preventing dirty sock syndrome is to routinely change your air filter and schedule routine air conditioning maintenance with Parker County Cooling & Heating. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system flowing, as stagnant water can also result in nasty odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are experiencing air conditioner mildew smell or a pungent, vinegar-like odor, it can be the result of several problems, including:
- A clogged filter
- Extra condensation
- Blocked condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Fix It
Examine your filter first. If you haven’t changed it 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 Parker County Cooling & Heating at 817-380-5213.
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 several things wrong. These involve:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that requires lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical problem.
Electrical malfunctions should be examined right away to stop a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is operating, shut it off and contact us at 817-380-5213 without delay.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A powerful ammonia odor means there could be mold growing inside 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 well-being. That’s why you should have a professional like Parker County Cooling & Heating check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when recommended.
Our Pros Can Get Rid of Odd Air Conditioner Smells Fast
You deserve to be comfortable in your home and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you are seeking relief from your stinky air conditioner, give us a call at 817-380-5213. We’ll determine the problem quickly and take care of it at a reasonable.