It’s unusual for your air conditioner to produce odors when running. These smells are a warning sign of an underlying issue that you should address to protect your health and prevent a breakdown. Here are some AC odors you might encounter in your Harrisonburg, VA home and what they mean.
1. Heated Plastic
You probably have an issue with the AC’s internal circuit board if you notice the smell of burning rubber. The odor could also originate from a wiring problem. Hiring an expert to inspect the AC’s electrical components and fix them is best because DIY electrical repairs can be very dangerous.
2. Exhaust Fumes
If your AC smells like an exhaust pipe, you might have a refrigerant leak. Besides shortening your air conditioner’s lifespan, these leaks are also dangerous to your health. Call an air conditioning professional to determine the refrigerant leaks and fix the issue to eliminate the smell of exhaust fumes.
3. Rotten Cabbage or Skunk Smell
Usually, a rotten cabbage or skunk-like odor indicates a gas leak in the AC. It’s possible that methyl mercaptan is getting into the ductwork and causing the unpleasant smell. The gas is dangerous; thus, it’s advisable to evacuate your home as you wait for an HVAC professional to fix the issue.
4. Musty Smell
If an AC smells musty, it’s often because of dirty filters or water accumulation on the drip lines, causing biological growth. You might see water dripping down the walls if the cause of the AC’s musty smell is a leakage. To eliminate this unpleasant smell, you should contact an HVAC professional to clean the ducts and AC drain lines.
Don’t suffer from unpleasant AC smells. Hire an experienced professional to inspect your air conditioner and fix the problem to eliminate these strange odors. Call us at Valley Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to schedule prompt AC repair services and improve your indoor comfort.
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