When your air conditioner is fresh and working correctly, you shouldn’t be smelling anything weird. Peculiar air conditioner noises and odd smells are a hint that something is out of whack. If your air conditioner is getting older or you haven’t had service completed lately, they can be a clear sign you need professional air conditioning repair in Tucson and Phoenix.

Here are six of the most common 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, specifically a chemical scent, it isn’t a positive sign. You might also report your:

  • Air conditioner smells like paint thinner
  • Home air conditioner smells sweet

These sweet, chemical scents are regularly a clue that your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak. Your system needs this gas to move heat through copper coils, which can wear out over time.

Four Signs You Have a Refrigerant Leak

Besides the strange smell, here are four other hints that you have a refrigerant leak.

  1. Bubbling or hissing sounds when your air conditioner is operating.
  2. Ice on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil.
  3. Trouble keeping your home cool or having your desired temperature.
  4. High utility expenses.

How You Can Take Care of It

A refrigerant leak needs professional assistance from a heating and cooling company like Desert Husky HVAC/R Services. Your cooling professional will find and repair the leak before recharging your AC with refrigerant.

Resolving a refrigerant leak typically costs between $225 and $1,600, based on nationwide averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. Your total cost will depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as how long it requires to solve.

If your air conditioner was installed prior to 2010, there’s a good chance it runs on R-22 or Freon refrigerant. This refrigerant is no longer being made because of its negative effects on the ozone layer. Consequently, repairs can be extremely expensive so it may be wisest to schedule air conditioning installation in this s