When your air conditioner is spotless and running correctly, it’s expected you won’t be smelling anything weird. Abnormal air conditioner noises and weird smells are a hint that something is up. If your air conditioner is old or you haven’t had service scheduled within the last year, they can be a clear sign you need pro air conditioning repair in Cape Coral.
Here are six of the top 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 odor, it isn’t a good sign. You might also report your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical smells are frequently a sign that your air conditioner is suffering from a refrigerant leak. Your system relies on this gas to transfer heat through copper coils, which can break out over time.
Four Hints You Are Experiencing a Refrigerant Leak
Besides the strange smell, here are four other clues that you have a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner runs.
- Frost on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Trouble keeping your house comfortable or achieving your programmed temperature.
- Increasing energy expenses.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak needs experienced support from a heating and cooling company like Comfort Zone, LLC. Your cooling specialist will locate and repair the leak before recharging your air conditioner with refrigerant.
Repairing a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, according to nationwide averages put together by HomeAdvisor. Your total cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how much time it needs 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 made due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Because of this, repairs can be significantly expensive so it may be smartest to consider 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 significant probability you have a natural gas leak in your house. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to alert you when there’s a leak, because the gas can be toxic in big amounts.
How You Can Repair It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we suggest:
- Turning off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Going outside as soon as possible.
- Getting in touch with your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Individuals who reach us to report this situation frequently mention their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it’s on. Also called dirty sock syndrome, this smell is typically linked to 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 climates where you need heating at night and during the morning before transitioning to cooling later in the day.
How to Fix It
The best method for preventing dirty sock syndrome is to routinely replace your air filter and schedule annual air conditioning maintenance with Comfort Zone, LLC. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unblocked, as standing water can also result in noxious odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are dealing with air conditioner mildew smell or a pungent, vinegar-like odor, it could be the result of several situations, like:
- A clogged filter
- Excess condensation
- Blocked condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Repair 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 fix the smell, call Comfort Zone, LLC at 239-214-0411.
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 several things wrong. These involve:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that should have lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical trouble.
Electrical issues should be inspected quickly to stop a fire. If you detect burning plastic when your air conditioner is on, shut it off and contact us at 239-214-0411 right away.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A strong ammonia odor means there could be mold growing in your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold creates.
How to Repair It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your wellness. That’s why it’s important to have a pro like Comfort Zone, LLC check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when necessary.
Our Professionals Can Eliminate Weird Air Conditioner Smells Fast
You deserve to be comfy in your house and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you need relief from your noxious air conditioner, give us a call at 239-214-0411. We’ll figure out the problem quickly and resolve it at a fair price.