When your air conditioner is fresh and operating right, you shouldn’t be smelling anything strange. Unexpected air conditioner noises and odd smells are a sign that something is off. If your air conditioner is getting older or you haven’t had maintenance done recently, they can be an obvious sign you need skilled air conditioning repair in Wisconsin Rapids.
Here are six of the most frequent 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 positive sign. You might also notice your:
- Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
- Home air conditioner smells sweet
These sweet, chemical scents are often a sign that your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak. Your system uses this gas to transfer heat through copper coils, which can crack as time passes.
Four Hints You Are Experiencing a Refrigerant Leak
Aside from the strange smell, here are four other signs that you are experiencing a refrigerant leak.
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is on.
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
- Trouble keeping your residence comfortable or having your desired temperature.
- Higher utility costs.
How You Can Take Care of It
A refrigerant leak needs experienced assistance from a heating and cooling company like Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. Your cooling specialist will locate and repair the leak before recharging your AC with refrigerant.
Repairing a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, according to nationwide averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. Your precise cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how long it needs to solve.
If your air conditioner was installed prior to 2010, it’s likely it uses R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being made due to its negative effects on the ozone layer. Consequently, 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 likely nothing wrong with it. But there’s a significant chance you have a natural gas leak in your home. Natural gas has a sulfur-like additive to alert you when there’s a leak, as the gas can be toxic in heavy concentrations.
How You Can Repair It
If you notice a sulfur or rotten egg odor, we recommend:
- Turning off your gas supply.
- Opening windows.
- Leaving your home promptly.
- Getting in touch with your gas company without delay.
3. Air Conditioner Smells Musty
Homeowners who reach us to report this problem often say their air conditioner smells like feet, dirty socks or a locker room when it’s running. Also known as dirty sock syndrome, this smell is frequently caused by 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 common in climates where you use heating at night and during the morning before turning on cooling later in the day.
How to Solve It
The best way to prevent 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 unblocked, because stagnant water can also create unpleasant odors.
4. Air Conditioner Smells Like Vinegar
If you are dealing with air conditioner mildew smell or a pungent, vinegar-like odor, it might be caused by several issues, like:
- A clogged filter
- Excess condensation
- Blocked condensate pan or drain line
- Moldy air conditioner or ductwork
How to Fix 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, we recommend replacing it. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, contact 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 couple of things wrong. These involve:
- Broken capacitator that’s overheating the motor.
- Motor that requires lubrication.
- Broken fan belt.
- Electrical problem.
Electrical malfunctions should be inspected right away to stop a fire. If you notice burning plastic when your air conditioner is running, turn it off and call us at 715-301-0256 without delay.
6. Air Conditioner Smells Like Cat Pee
A strong ammonia odor means there might be mold flourishing in 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 health. That’s why it’s important to have a pro like Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc check your air conditioner and ductwork and clean it when recommended.
Our Professionals Can Take Care of Unpleasant Air Conditioner Smells Fast
You deserve to be cozy in your house and shouldn’t have an air conditioner that smells bad. When you need relief from your stinky air conditioner, reach us at 715-301-0256. We’ll diagnose the issue quickly and take care of it at a reasonable.