If you’ve noticed a strange odor recently whenever you turn on your air conditioner, this is a sign of damage or inefficiency. An air conditioning unit that works properly doesn’t smell. An odor coming from your air conditioner can cause serious issues in the future. You should find the source of the smell and fix the issue immediately. To help you, here HVAC maintenance contractor Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning answers why your air conditioner smells and what it means.
When It Smells Musty
A musty odor like that of wet clothes or a dirty locker room is a bad sign. This kind of smell is commonly caused by mold or mildew, both things that shouldn’t grow inside your air conditioner. Mold and mildew buildup is a result of using the heater at night then switching to the air conditioner for cooling later in the morning. The smell can also be caused by high levels of condensation. Any kind of odor or noise coming from your air conditioner should be checked out by a professional.
When It Smells Like Chemicals
If it smells like chemicals when you turn on your air conditioner, there’s a high chance that the refrigerant is leaking. This is bad, as it may compromise the other parts inside, so be alert for any odor that smells like sweet paint thinner. Your air conditioner’s refrigerant is an essential part of the system. It’s responsible for moving heat through the copper coils. Aging or overuse of your air conditioner can lead to a refrigerant leak. It’s important to keep up-to-date with the condition of your air conditioner and its parts. To maintain good indoor air quality in your home, you should schedule regular professional HVAC inspections.
When It Smells Like Burning Plastic
The smell of burning plastic can be caused by electrical trouble–there could literally be plastic wiring that’s melted inside your air conditioner. Immediately contact your HVAC contractor for an inspection and repair if you notice the smell of burning plastic coming from your air conditioner. You should always be careful when it comes to electrical issues, as most fire and electrical incidents are caused by faulty wiring.
When was the last time you cleaned your air ducts? Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning offers professional duct cleaning services. Call us at (440) 946-7863 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
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