Air conditioners make cold air, and if they’re working properly, they’ll make plenty of it. Air conditioners make some noise, although they shouldn’t make any noises that are loud or unexpected, like rattles or bangs.
But one thing an air conditioner definitely shouldn’t make is a smell. If you’ve got AC odors, you need repair. What’s going on? We’ll explain.
Sweet, Chemical Odors
Some people compare this smell to chloroform. Other people are shocked that anyone knows what chloroform smells like! But if you detect a chemical smell that is also rather sweet, it is the odor of refrigerant. This substance should be entirely enclosed within the coils, where you can’t smell it. So why is it making an odor that you can detect?
The refrigerant must be leaking out of the system. This means a coil is damaged somewhere. This can lead to all sorts of issues: short cycling, insufficient cooling, layers of ice on your air conditioner, and even a burned-out compressor and the need for a whole new system. If you have it addressed promptly, a technician can repair the leak, refill the system, and get everything running smoothly again.
Musty Odors
This smell, like a damp basement or old boxes unearthed from the back of an untouched closet, is caused by mold. If you can’t see the mold, you know from the odor that it’s in there somewhere! Chances are, it’s in the condensate pan, where moisture drips from the condensation that accumulates on the evaporator coils.
Perhaps the pan isn’t draining quickly enough, allowing water to get stagnant and mold to grow. This could be because of a clog in the drain. Or, some air conditioners have pumps that ensure that the water is pushed out. It could be that the pump requires repair. Either way, have it dealt with before you end up with an overflowing condensate pan and serious water damage or mold remediation needs.
Sour Odors
What about a smell that reminds you of vinegar? A sour smell can be caused by bacterial growth. Again, this is likely to be occurring in the condensate pan, where moisture creates an inviting habitat for bacterial colonies. A technician can clean it out and repair any issues with the drain or pump that have caused this in the first place.
Avoiding AC Odors in the Future
What’s the best way to make sure none of this happens again? With routine maintenance. When you make sure to get annual air conditioning service in Alpharetta, GA, the entire system will be thoroughly cleaned. Any minor issues like a developing refrigerant leak or a struggling pump can be addressed before they become bigger problems. And the whole system will run more effectively and more efficiently.
Whether you need repairs for a specific issue, routine maintenance, or installation of a new AC system, we’ve got you covered.
Reach out to Wall Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. with any inquiries or to make an appointment.