When your air conditioner is spotless and running right, it’s expected you won’t be smelling anything weird. Abnormal air conditioner noises and weird smells are a hint that something is out of whack. If your air conditioner is old or you haven’t had a tune-up completed recently, they can be a clear sign you need pro air conditioning repair in Wisconsin Rapids.
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, especially a chemical odor, it isn’t a great sign. You could also observe your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical scents are typically a clue that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system relies on this gas to transfer heat through copper coils, which can break out as time passes.
Four Hints You Are Experiencing a Refrigerant Leak
Aside from the weird smell, here are four other signs 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.
- It’s hard keeping your residence cold or having your desired temperature.
- High utility bills.
How You Can Fix It
A refrigerant leak calls for professional support from a heating and cooling company like Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. Your cooling technician will find and repair the leak before recharging your AC with refrigerant.
Fixing a refrigerant leak usually costs between $225 and $1,600, based on nationwide averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. Your precise cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how many hours it needs to repair.
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 as a result of its adverse effects on the ozone layer. Consequently, repairs can be significantly expensive so it may be wisest to schedule air conditioning installation in this instance.
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 high chance you have a natural gas leak in your residence. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to alert you when there’s a leak, since the gas can be fatal in big amounts.
How You Can Fix It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we recommend:
- Switching off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Evacuating your home right away.
- Calling your gas company immediately.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Individuals who contact us regarding this situation frequently report their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it’s on. Also known as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is usually created by a dirty evaporator coil that has mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Moisture can also make your home air conditioner smell bad. Dirty sock syndrome is most often seen in locations where you need heating at night and during the morning before turning on cooling during the afternoon.
How to Fix It
The best approach for preventing dirty sock syndrome is to frequently replace your air filter and schedule annual air conditioning maintenance with Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. We’ll keep the evaporator coil clean and the drainage system unclogged, as stagnant water can also produce unpleasant odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are experiencing air conditioner mildew smell or a strong, vinegar-like odor, it can be prompted by several situations, such as:
- A filthy filter
- Too much condensation
- Blocked condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Repair 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 resolve the problem, call Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc at 715-301-0256.
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 number of things wrong. These involve:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that requires lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical trouble.
Electrical problems should be examined immediately to prevent a fire. If you smell burning plastic when your air conditioner is running, turn it off and call us at 715-301-0256 right away.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A strong ammonia odor means there may be mold flourishing inside your air conditioner or ductwork. The smell isn’t the mold itself, but the mycotoxins that mold makes.
How to Fix It
Mycotoxins are hazardous to your health. That’s why you should have a specialist like Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc examine 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 comfy in your home and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you need relief from your noxious air conditioner, give us a call at 715-301-0256. We’ll diagnose the problem quickly and fix it at a fair price.