When your air conditioner is clean and working correctly, you shouldn’t be smelling anything strange. Unusual air conditioner noises and weird smells are a sign that something is out of whack. 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 skilled air conditioning repair in Albuquerque.
Here are six of the most common 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 odor, 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 smells are regularly a sign that your air conditioner is suffering from a refrigerant leak. Your system uses this gas to transfer heat through copper coils, which can break out over time.
Four Hints You Are Experiencing a Refrigerant Leak
Aside from the weird smell, here are four other signs that you have a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is operating.
- Ice crystals on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- It’s hard keeping your home comfortable or achieving your desired temperature.
- High energy expenses.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak requires experienced support from a heating and cooling company like Tru Air Systems LLC. Your cooling specialist will locate and mend the leak before recharging your air conditioner with refrigerant.
Repairing a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, based on nationwide averages assembled by HomeAdvisor. Your exact cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how many hours it takes to repair.
If your air conditioner was installed earlier than 2010, there’s a high probability it runs on R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being made because of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. As a result, repairs can be significantly expensive so it may be wisest to consider air conditioning installation in this situation.
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 probability 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 toxic in big amounts.
How You Can Repair It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we suggest:
- Switching off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home promptly.
- Calling your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Homeowners who reach us to report this situation frequently report their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it’s running. Also referred to as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is frequently created by a dirty evaporator coil that has mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Condensation can also make your home air conditioner smell bad. Dirty sock syndrome is most common in climates where you need heating at night and during the morning before switching to cooling during the afternoon.
How to Repair It
The best approach for preventing dirty sock syndrome is to routinely replace your air filter and schedule yearly air conditioning maintenance with Tru Air Systems LLC. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system flowing, as standing water can also lead to unpleasant odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are experiencing air conditioner mildew smell or a strong, vinegar-like odor, it could 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
Examine your filter first. If you haven’t put in a new one within the last three months and can’t see light through it, you should replace it. If that doesn’t solve the problem, contact Tru Air Systems LLC at 505-226-3525.
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 include:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that needs lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical trouble.
Electrical issues should be inspected immediately to prevent a fire. If you detect burning plastic when your air conditioner is running, shut it off and contact us at 505-226-3525 immediately.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A strong ammonia odor means there could 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 it’s important to have a specialist like Tru Air Systems LLC examine your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when necessary.
Our Pros Can Take Care of Odd Air Conditioner Smells Fast
You deserve to be cozy in your house and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you are looking for relief from your smelly air conditioner, give us a call at 505-226-3525. We’ll determine the problem quickly and fix it at a reasonable.