Reasons Your Air Conditioner Produces Chemical Smells
Posted on: 28 September 2022
It can be disturbing when you turn on your AC system during the summer, only for a chemical odor to come from the vents. A chemical smell indicates an underlying component malfunction, so you should contact an AC professional to address the issue. They will first examine the system for defects, determine the cause of the smell and repair it for optimal performance. Below are the reasons your AC smells like chemicals.
Coolant Leaks
The refrigerant helps to absorb heat from the air and dissipates it outdoors. However, the line that carries the Freon may wear out from corrosion and leak the refrigerant. As a result, your AC will produce a sweet chloroform scent along with hissing noises. Also, your energy bills will spike as your system struggles to cool your home with the low-level coolant. Thus, you should engage an AC contractor to patch the refrigerant lines to boost the cooling capacity of your system.
Ozone Leaks
If your AC uses electrostatic air filters, it may produce ozone during operation. This is due to the electric charge from ionic air purifiers, which emit ozone as a by-product of ionization. However, ozone levels in your house may increase with time, exceeding public health standards.
Consequently, you will notice a pungent odor from the vents, like that of chlorine. Since prolonged exposure to high ozone levels causes respiratory complications, you must hire an AC specialist to fix the issue. They will adjust your filter settings to produce less ozone and ensure your home has proper ventilation.
Open Chemicals
If you store cleaning agents near your indoor unit, you may notice a chemical smell in your home. This is because your AC will draw the fumes from the chemicals and distribute them through the ducts. Therefore, you should contact an AC expert to help locate your air handler in an ideal location away from storage facilities.
Gas Leak
Gas lines may develop leakages leading to a sulfur smell from the vents. This is due to an additive that utility providers use to give natural gas a distinct smell. Furthermore, a dead pest in your ducts will emit a rotten egg smell. Thus, you should engage an AC contractor to inspect your ductwork and expel any dead critters. Additionally, they will seal the gas lines close to the ducts to prevent them from leaking.
Your cooling system will deliver optimum temperatures when your service it regularly. Therefore, you should hire an AC repair technician to maintain your unit and ensure it keeps your home comfortable all year round.
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