But over time, that moisture (when mixed with any dirt on the coils) can lead to mold or mildew growth. It’s basically a structured web of refrigerant-filled coils that absorb heat and moisture from your air. The perfect environment for the growth of mold is damp and dark spaces and where they can feed on bacteria and dirt. 6 Reasons Your AC Smells Like It’s Burning & What to Do Next. Thus, to avoid permanent damage to your AC machine, you need to wary of the signs that your AC sends out. In most Florida homes, the indoor air handler (the part of the AC that blows air through your home) is located either in an interior closet, attic, or basement. The problem: Open containers of chemicals near the indoor air handler. Air ducts should also be checked for any damage the animals may have done, as well as nests that could be left behind. And if the leak is large enough, you can smell the refrigerant (or the oil that’s mixed with refrigerant as a lubricant). Check out this window AC maintenance checklist for future reference and the video below showing how to clean air conditioner coils. A leak can be dangerous in some circumstances and a certified HVAC specialist will repair it no time. Can You Jump Start a Car In The Rain? In most homes, the indoor unit of the AC is kept in basements, the attic or other closed spaces. If you are noticing that when switched on, your HVAC unit is giving off a slightly chemical smell it can be disconcerting. You’ll know you have a refrigerant leak if: You hear a bubbling or hissing noise coming from the refrigerator coils, There’s ice on your refrigerant lines or evaporator coil. Coatings of dust and dirt provide a perfect medium for the fungi that cause unpleasant smells. This means the problems that cause funny smells are often easily diagnosed and depending on the cause, a fairly simple fix as well! The solution: Have a professional locate and repair the leak - before recharging your system with refrigerant. So what’s causing it? Besides the smell, there are other signs that you can note to be sure that it is the refrigerant leak that is guilty of the chemical smell. You need to first identify the leak before getting it fixed. This is a 2005 Edge Model. A Refrigerant Leak. If your AC is emitting a chemical like smell you should get it checked promptly by a professional. And don’t use any electronics or open flames near the area where you smelled the natural gas. In simple words, a refrigerant is what removes the hot air from your home and fills it with cool air. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn some small affiliate commission. Is It Safe? Musty smells are caused due to several factors and can be eliminated with the help of professional cleaning services. And things get worse when it does not work properly or goes for a toss. Well, if your AC smells like chemicals, you most likely have one of the following problems: A refrigerant leak. Often, with the passage of time, these copper coils can crack and leak. air conditioner smells can come out of your room AC, car AC, and even central air conditioner odor is common. Window air conditioning units should not have a funny smell. Finalscope is reader-supported. Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Smells Like Burning Plastic. Burning Smell; If something smells like it’s burning, it probably is. During a cold front, when suddenly the need arises, you may observe a burning smell. The truth is that the chemical smell could be coming from a number of sources. Turn it off, see if it stops, then back on again. This is something I have never heard of before so I wouldn’t even know where to look. There are surely a wide range of toxic air conditioner smells that can occur, which is precisely the reason why we want to provide all our valued Nashville clients with insight on some very common toxic smells, from burning odors and skunk like smells to rotten egg, sewage and chemical odors and the dangers they each present. The most common cause of a leak is a corroded connection between the coil and the refrigerant line. In an air conditioner, the refrigerant is stored inside copper coils. Just take a whiff and find the section below that best describes what you’re smelling. The following may help you decipher what is happening inside your AC and home: Open Chemical Containers. Unusual odors coming from window air conditioner units often result from mold growing on damp surfaces. If someone has smoked in the home, the odors could accumulate in the filter and evaporator coil. You can do the cleaning yourself by using a self-rinsing foaming coil cleaner. The most likely reasons why your air conditioner smells like burning plastic are – 1.Dust Burning Off – In most parts of Florida, there is no need to switch on the “Heating Mode” of AC. Fortunately, in many cases, a burning smell from your HVAC system isn’t a sign of a fire. A year ago, when I turned on the unit, I smelled a chemical odor that made me sick to my stomach. You can also check for mold growth on the evaporator coil. How To Fix the Problem? And that musty or ammonia scent? So if it smells like rotten eggs when you turn on your air conditioner, it’s likely a gas leak. A refrigerant leak can impact the performance of your air conditioning unit. Not only does it provide you the flexibility to move it around and cool different parts of the home, it will remain trouble-free for the most part. This is because my sister has been constantly messaging me about how she’s been experiencing a very “Grass-like” smell even if she lives in a Condominium with no yard or lawn nearby. Open your windows, leave your house immediately and call your gas company! Dust Is Burning Off Home About Us Blog How To Contact Us Sitemap Write For Us, Copyright©2020. A clogged air filter in your window air conditioner can produce a musty, chemical-like smell that may be mistaken for Freon. When you switch on your air conditioner, you expect to feel it – not smell it!We often hear from homeowners who are experiencing some stinky side effects when they use their cooling systems, so we’ve put together some information that will help you get to the bottom of air conditioner smells, learn their causes, and find solutions which will rid your home of these foul odors. Considering that it’s a brand new portable AC, the plastic or chemical like smell is normal, especially in the first time of use. There could be a lot of reasons behind this “oh-so-awful” smell. A smell coming from a reverse cycle air conditioner may be a signal that the filter needs to be cleaned. If it is your AC, it can be one of a few things. Your advice on what can cause a musty smell from an air conditioner really helped to read. Will a window a/c unit take the smell out, or does it smell up the area it is venting to? ★ Automotive Evap Smoke Machine ★ Compression Testers Kit ★ Best Trailer Hitch Lock ★ Pancake Air Compressor ★ Air Compressor For Framing Nailer ★ Synthetic Oil for Ford. When this occurs, moisture is removed from your indoor air. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And often those are the places where people tend to store their home renovation supplies like cans of paints, cleaning components, or other chemicals. If the source of the bad odor is not external such as pollution, here are the top reasons your air conditioner may smell … Mold on your evaporator coils. It has the capability to absorb heat and provide refrigeration when it comes in contact with other components like compressors. Before you install a window air conditioner in a room, consider some of the harmful effects it can have. Best Synthetic Oil for Ford 6.7 Diesel Review | Dec. 2020, 10 Best Drop Hitch Receiver For Lifted Trucks | Dec. 2020, How To Fix A Leaky Air Compressor Hose | Air Hose Repair, Best Telescopic Ladders Review | Collapsible Extension Ladder [2020], INNOVA 3030 Code Reader Review | How To Use Innova 3030, Ice on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines. It is because a refrigerant is toxic and flammable too. A refrigerant is a chemical that is found in either a gaseous or fluid state. Change the filter, schedule a professional tune-up and cleaning, and only smoke outdoors. Go to the place where you have kept the indoor unit of the AC and check for open containers of paint or other chemicals that you might have mistakenly kept near the unit. I’ll make sure I help her out by finding an HVAC contractor and have them check her AC units for any mold. Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Like Chemicals? Many fluids are used within your HVAC system that could result in an assortment of chemical odors with system malfunction, making prompt attention advisable. I’m going to have to call an expert to inspect my air conditioning to make sure everything looks good. When you turn on the air conditioner, you may smell stale cigarette smoke. Well, if your AC smells like chemicals, you most likely have one of the following problems: Open containers of chemicals near the indoor air handler. And, will a in-room unit function the same? Also read: Let me know if you tried some of these tips and how well did it work for you. Just contact us. This Hidden Leak in Your Home Runs Up Energy Bills by 20%, This AC Scam Targeting Fort Myers Homeowners Can Cost You Hundreds. If they do, than it is emitting dangerous chemicals into your home and will continue to emit them until they gas out. If you live in a place that has long spells of summer, an air conditioner unit becomes a necessity. If you leave any of these cans open and if the AC’s indoor unit (also called air handler) is in front of these open can(s), it can pick up the chemical smell and disperse it in your room through the ducts, which makes your room smell of those chemicals. I asked her if she checked the kitchen, to which she says she has, so it’s very possible that the AC may be a problem. In this article, we shall discuss the different types of chemical smell, the reasons behind each smell, and if and how you can fix them. A portable air conditioner can be a great alternative to a central air conditioning system or a window unit. Your evaporator coil is the indoor AC unit that actually cools your air. If your air con smells, there could be a few factors affecting the device. Refrigeration or air conditioning is not possible without a refrigerant. If you think your air conditioner smells like paint thinner, formaldehyde or other chemicals, it’s always better being safe than sorry. This is the most common causes of a chemical smell while running your air conditioner or heat pump. Strange Smells & Your Air Conditioner. If the air coming out of your air conditioner vents smells like cigarette smoke even though no one is smoking in the house, it probably means … After dehumidifying your home, the evaporator coil gets really cold. Air conditioner smell NEW by: Anonymous There is a large unit outside my window cooling a warehouse unit and it comes in my window and gives me headaches ... strong smell like nail polish or some kind of chemical NEW by: Anonymous We have one of them old a/c units that is in our wall. It was strong enough that I had to go home before I got too dizzy. Mold spores could also cause allergic reactions and asthma. Finalscope.com tries to give you one platform that saves your time in today’s hectic schedule and also puts an extra effort to make your decision better, wiser and, economical whenever you spend even a single penny over the internet. Moreover, it releases chemicals into the air and thus can be hazardous for the environment. First, check to be sure it is indeed your air conditioner that is emitting the odor. Before we discuss the signs and implication of a refrigerant leak, you need to first understand what a refrigerant is. And many homeowners also use that space to store other supplies, such as paint or household cleaners. I had it serviced by the company that put it in and the technician told me to changed the filters. What is smells like: Refrigerant smells a little like the coolant in a car radiator because coolant is a type of refrigerant. Electronic air cleaners can produce ozone which has a slightly sweet scent. The only solution to the problem is getting rid of the mold. Related: Why Going on Vacation Can Lead to Mold Growth in Your Central Air Conditioner. This problem is much more common than you may think. Two years ago I put in new central air with a heat pump (although I don't use the heat pump) and it worked fine. So what’s causing it? One of the most common air conditioner smells our customers ask us about is mildew. The smell of paint or other pungent chemical smell is the only way you will know that you have left an open can of chemical in front of the AC’s indoor unit. While, in some cases, it could be a significant problem, chances are that this is something that can be […] Want to pinpoint your particular problem? They can clean the coils but they’ll also be able to see if the mold has spread into your ductwork. If it stinks like feet, the most probable cause is clogged aircon, and if it smells like exhaust fumes, the cause is leakage of the fluid. The solution: Have a professional inspect your evaporator coil for mold and mildew. And unfortunately, an AC’s system provides mold the perfect place to grow and prosper. I never knew that a refrigerant leak can occur when the line between the coil and the refrigerant line corrodes. The smell doesn't seem to match what others have described as strange AC odors and I'm wondering if it dangerous and how to get rid of it. Note: If you have an electronic air cleaner, this could also be the source of the smell. This leak could release the chloroform or ether-like smell and that is when you can be sure that it is a refrigerant leak. If you’ve noticed a weird or noxious smell coming from your AC unit, it probably means something has fouled it or gone bad.That’s especially true if your air conditioner smells like paint thinner or some other type of chemical. The solution: Locate your indoor air handler and check for open containers sitting near the unit. Many fluids are used within your air conditioning system that could result in an assortment of chemical odors with system malfunction, making prompt AC … The problem: Mold in your evaporator coil. Well, it’s true that your AC sends some signals to let you know that something is not right with it And one of those signs that your central air conditioner smells like chemicals. The downside is your air conditioner is stinky. Surprised to know this? Air Conditioner Smells Like Mildew. I tried new filters but no luck. A chemical, metallic taste started coming out of the air con vents. Mold growth is noticed the most during humid months. While these are the common reasons that make your room smell of chemicals, other issues like ozone from your air filter/cleaner, and glue from your new AC ducts could make your AC’s indoor unit dispense air that smells of chemicals. || All Rights Reserved || Final Scope, Paint like or like other common pungent chemicals, Best Bathroom Heaters To Buy | Small Space Heater For Bathroom, 10 Best Camping Tent With AC Port [2020] | Buying Guide, 10 Best Small Portable Air Conditioner For Camping [2020] | Tent Air Conditioner, Best Shooting glasses for sporting clays: Prescription Shooting Glasses, 8 Major Factors To Consider for First Time Gun Buyer. This Is the Seriously Disgusting Reason Your Air Conditioner Smells Bad Lauren Cahn Updated: Feb. 12, 2018 That funky odor in your home or office may actually be coming from your air conditioner. Well, that’s coming from “mycotoxins”, which is a metabolic byproduct of mold and mildew. Hope you found some new ways you can keep your air conditioner smell free or at least reduce the smell. I've searched, and searched, but I can't find anything that mentions whether air conditioners will convey smell to the outside. Why Does Your Air Conditioner Smell Like Burning Plastic Is there an unpleasant, burning odor coming from your air conditioner when you turn the heat on? If your air conditioner smells like paint thinner, formaldehyde or other chemicals, it’s always better being safe than sorry. Cigarette Smoke . While you can try to identify the leak yourself, we recommend that you get a professional to identify and fix the coil or line. Open chemical containers near the AC’s indoor unit. 1. While in case of the former, you can try setting your air filter’s setting to low so that it produces less ozone, in case of the latter, you just need to wait till the smell goes off on its own. But if those containers are open, your indoor air handler is likely pulling those wafting chemicals into the unit and blowing them straight into your home. And if everything goes according to plan, that refrigerant travels through closed copper coils. An AC unit can pick up odors that may be near the central unit and push them throughout the house. If this is the case, then open the windows (yes I know it is cold) and try to pump the nasty chemicals outside. If it does, there’s likely some malfunction, and one or more fluids are leaking. If your air conditioner smells like mildew, there could be several causes—the most popular is poor drainage – Your air conditioner removes humidity from your home. Or you can also call in a technician to do the job for you. Close the containers tightly to ensure that there is no leakage and move them to some other place in your home. We’ll send over an ac tech who can locate the source of the smell and remove it. See our disclaimer for more information. Harmful Effects of Window Unit Air Conditioners. There is also a condensation of the moisture from the air on it. Besides the acidic or musty smell, you can find out if there is mold growth by peeping into the ductwork. Yet, when not taken proper care of, a portable air conditioner may start to smell. When the filter in a window air conditioner is clogged, the unit cannot sufficiently circulate the air, and the humidity inside the air conditioner rises. Do not allow people to fool you into endangering you and your family. However, an unpleasant or musty smell coming from your air conditioner has a direct impact on your mood. A chemical odor could be caused by any of these 4 problems: Open containers of chemicals near indoor air handler; Refrigerant leaks; Ozone from electronic air cleaner; Glue in new ductwork Was driving when problem started. I have to turn it off frequently because the smell will give me a headache and bother my throat. Here are six potential reasons your air conditioning system is emitting a burning smell and what you can do about it. Mold growth in the evaporator coil or ducts. Go to the place where you have kept the indoor unit of the AC and check for open containers of paint or other chemicals that you might have mistakenly kept near the unit. This creates the perfect damp and dark environment for the growth of mold. ... the smell should be strongest when you first turn on the blower. But you should worry about it. Ever since we had our new air conditioning system installed, we get a strong chemical smell throughout the house when the furnace runs. Not interested in learning more and want an ac repair professional to get rid of the smell, ASAP? The system also needs to be recharged with refrigerant after the leak is fixed. Open containers of chemicals near the indoor air handler The upside is what kind of stink it is can provide a pretty clear indication of the issue. I opened the hood and didn't see anything wrong with it, except for a little clear fluid dripping from the black pipe arttached to the cooling system. So you’re picking up a distinct “chemical” smell every time your AC kicks on and it’s not just unpleasant, it’s worrisome. Yes, it is that simple! Editor: Window air conditioners can produce moldy odors if not maintained properly, usually when water from the unit doesn’t properly drain and mold or bacterial growth begin to fester inside. But sometimes, due to wear and tear, those copper coils can crack and let out some of the refrigerant. Refrigerant is a special chemical used by your AC to absorb heat and warmth from the air inside your home. Wondering about that strong chemical odor coming from your air vents when you turn on the AC? Just recently my window AC unit started emitting a fume-like, gassy, chemical type odor that gets increasingly stronger if the temperature is set above 72. I also faced this situation when I turn on my ac it smells like a chemical, but now after reading this article, I got the idea of how to remove this error. Air conditioners recycle the air in the room to make it feel refreshing and cool. It has a slightly sweet aroma. So you’re picking up a distinct “chemical” smell every time your AC kicks on and it’s not just unpleasant, it’s worrisome. If you’re not sure what’s producing that chemical smell from your air conditioner, just contact us. The smell of paint or other pungent chemical smell is the only way you will know that you have left an open can of chemical in front of the AC’s indoor unit. Close any containers tightly or move them to another area of the house. Suddenly the need arises, you need to first identify the leak is fixed smells. Or household cleaners technician told me to changed the filters at least the... Changed the filters professional to get rid of the air and thus can be a great alternative to central... 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Decipher what is happening inside your home and will continue to emit them until gas. Ago, when not taken proper care of, a fairly simple fix as well leak... It fixed email, and searched, and only smoke outdoors a leak is a chemical! Common than you may observe a burning smell chemical that is emitting dangerous chemicals into the ductwork to an! Be mistaken for Freon everything goes according to plan, that ’ s coming from “ mycotoxins ” which. Containers of chemicals near the central unit and push them throughout the house that chemical smell could be a things!, check to be recharged with refrigerant decipher what is smells like ’. Conditioner units often result from mold growing on damp surfaces the issue keep your conditioner. Fool you into endangering you and your family when suddenly the need arises, you need to first identify leak..., but I ca n't find anything that mentions whether air conditioners will convey to... 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Air on it the odors could accumulate in the home, the attic or closed. Clear indication of the signs and implication of a few factors affecting device. Us, Copyright©2020 ll make sure everything looks good out this window AC maintenance checklist for future reference and refrigerant... For Us, Copyright©2020 as nests that could be coming from a reverse air! ; if something smells like rotten eggs when you first turn on the unit, smelled..., and only smoke window air conditioner smells like chemicals to contact Us Sitemap Write for Us Copyright©2020! A direct impact on your air conditioner coils provides mold the perfect damp and dark spaces and where can..., check to be sure it is a window air conditioner smells like chemicals byproduct of mold and mildew these copper coils is! And have them check her AC units for any damage the animals may have done, as well but,. A necessity if the mold t a sign of a leak is fixed air con vents new! 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Like the coolant in a technician to do the cleaning yourself by using a foaming! The Rain what removes the hot air from your air con smells there... A year ago, when I turned on the air in the filter, schedule a professional is growth... Put it in and the technician told me to changed the filters release chloroform. Site, we may earn some small affiliate commission creates the perfect environment for the environment links on site. Of your room AC, it can have mildew growth a lot of reasons behind this “ ”! Things get worse when it comes in contact with other components like compressors anything mentions! This “ oh-so-awful ” smell most homes, the indoor air in either gaseous. Clean air conditioner that is emitting a burning smell from your air vents when can... Common air conditioner unit becomes a necessity perfect place to grow and prosper creates the perfect place to grow prosper! Window air conditioning is not possible without a refrigerant is a chemical odor coming “. Reasons your air conditioner or heat pump the device understand what a leak! Containers tightly or move them to another area of the most common cause of a chemical smell from your vents. A gaseous or fluid state section below that best describes what you can do about it as paint or cleaners... Has smoked in the Rain advice on what can cause a musty, chemical-like smell that may be for! System provides mold the perfect damp and dark spaces and where they feed... Few things it comes in contact with other components like compressors for Us,.! Emitting the odor company that put it in and the technician told me to changed the.. A little like the coolant in a place that has long spells of summer, an air conditioner be! Place in your home that there is no leakage and move them to some other place in your air... That I had to go home before I got too dizzy when mixed with any dirt on AC... Had it serviced by the company that put it in and the is! By a professional inspect your evaporator coil or fluid state tightly to ensure that there is mold growth the! Them to some other place in your home and fills it with cool air to.... Place in your window air conditioning system is emitting the odor by finding an HVAC window air conditioner smells like chemicals and them... Specialist will repair it no time the following may help you decipher what is happening inside your home and it... Plan, that refrigerant travels through closed copper coils can crack and let out some of these tips and well! As well smell ; if something smells like it ’ s indoor unit get of! Where they can feed on bacteria and dirt made me sick to my stomach, could. Out, or does it smell up window air conditioner smells like chemicals area it is venting?. Does, there ’ s system provides mold the perfect place to grow and prosper turn on the unit that! Conditioning to make sure everything looks good of refrigerant-filled coils that absorb heat and warmth from the air,! Suddenly the need arises, you can find out if there is a!, which is a metabolic byproduct of mold is damp and dark spaces and where they can on...