What does refrigerant gas smell like

Here are the 6 most significant potentially toxic air conditioner smells that you may be smelling:. Electrical smells are a common air conditioning smell and could indicate a mechanical problem with your air conditioner compressor or fan, electrical component failure, or a wiring issue. These components are made from various chemicals and metals , and prolonged exposure to odors from these is not healthy.

The first few times an air conditioner kicks on, it may emit a burning smell that can smell electrical or dusty. Usually, after 20 to 30 minutes, the smell can dissipate. If it does, then it was probably burning off the dust in the unit.

This is common after the unit has not been in use for a while. However, if it continues, you should contact a professional HVAC contractor to check out the problem and repair the unit. Electrical odors are typically a problem with the compressor , fan motors, or wiring. Attempting to fix these yourself can result in severe injuries. If you are not comfortable with trying repairs by yourself, then contact your local air conditioning specialist to look at it.

The gunpowder smell is the cousin of electrical odors. Distinctive gunpowder-like odors can be due to a fried fan motor or circuit board. Again with these made from various metals and chemicals, they can pose potential dangers to your respiratory system.

Before starting up a system again after a prolonged dormant period, it should be inspected by a professional. Provided you didn't leave any rotten eggs hiding anywhere in your home; if you smell sulfur or it smells like rotten eggs emanating from your air conditioning unit, it's most likely a natural gas leak. Although gas is odorless, utility providers add the aroma to alert people of a dangerous leak. So if you smell gas, there's a problem.

Another reason for these types of AC smells is you may have a pest problem or a dead animal somewhere in your duct work or attic. So definitely best to get that checked out. If you do find something, call pest control to remove the dead animal. If it's a gas smell, do not t ake it lightly. If you smell sulfur in your home, then natural gas is most likely the culprit, and immediate inspection of its source is required.

You should turn off your gas supply immediately, evacuate your home, and call the fire department. While low-level exposure in itself is hazardous to your health, high levels can reduce oxygen in your blood and lead to a loss of consciousness and even death. As we all know, gas is highly flammable and explosive and results in dozens of deaths each year. So if you notice this type of odor, open all of the windows in your home or business and get out of the building immediately.

You should also contact your local natural gas provider. Even if your systems are not powered by gas, exhaust fumes can be present if fluids leak from specific components in your AC or heating systems. To avoid such dangerous situations, If you smell exhaust-type fumes , you should contact your local HVAC contractor to assess your problem professionally.

Burning oil and other fluids can release large amounts of toxic gas into the environment. This gas can be different in its chemical makeup as it is in its original liquid form. Skip to content Yes, We're Still Open! Best of Home Advisor and Winner. Testimonials Blog FAQs. Mon-Sat: 8am - 4pm 24hr Emergency Service. Portland Vancouver These three steps include: Duct Cleaning : Dust, dirt, mold and other contaminants build up within the ductwork of your heating and cooling system over time.

A duct cleaning improves your indoor air quality IAQ and system efficiency. Potentially toxic smells coming from your air conditioning unit include… 1. Exhaust Fumes Even in systems not powered by gas, exhaust fumes can still result if fluids leak from essential components. Musty or Moldy Smell Have you noticed that your air vent smells musty? Pin for later! Have ready to I stall AC system. Need help to install ac unit.

Thank you. Hi Sandy, We highly recommend that you call the gas company as soon as possible and have them investigate what you are smelling. I will call the gas company Monday as they are closed now. Any sort of refrigerant leak will usually mean the homeowner has to answer a tough question: Repair the leak or replace the air conditioner?

Repairing the leak can be an expensive job and could be a sign the AC is on its last legs. You might repair one leak only to have another one appear a few months later. If you still have a unit using R refrigerant replacement is almost always the best decision. Call Merts now and schedule an appointment to make sure your air conditioner is ready for the summer weather ahead.

The loss of refrigerant means that less of the warm air can be removed from your home, and less cool air is produced. You may notice more frequent cycling of the air conditioning system, and you may even have to lower the thermostat in order to feel comfortable. Condensation will form on the coils, and it may freeze. You may notice frost, ice, or icicles on the unit. The ice or frost may melt between cooling cycles, so you may also notice a puddle forming on the floor.