Here’s what you need to do when your air conditioner smells like paint thinner, and how you can get rid of it.
Do you have an air conditioner in your home that you have noticed has started to smell funky?
In this case, you identify that it is smelling like paint thinner, then this is a cause for concern as it means that something is definitely wrong with your air conditioner.
An air conditioner emits unusual odors, such as a smell similar to paint thinner, which is also a very chemically strong smell, is not how it is meant to be when it is running.
Finding out the reasons as to why it is possibly smelling like this is critical to help fix the problem sooner rather than later.
Is it normal for an air conditioner to smell like paint thinner?
It is important to note that when an air conditioner is working properly and is well and properly maintained and clean, there should be no funny smells, such as those similar to that of paint thinner coming from the unit when it is in operation.
It is not normal for an air conditioner to smell like paint thinner. So, there would definitely be a problem with the unit if this is the case.
Ignoring unusual smells from your air conditioner can lead to further damage and compromise the performance of the system, and of course, your and your family members’ health.
Professional inspection and repair are crucial for identifying and resolving the root cause of the issue.
Why could your air conditioner be smelling like paint thinner?
When you have identified that your air conditioner is the reason for your home smelling like paint thinner, then you might have noticed that the smell is being caused by a leak in your air conditioning unit.
A paint thinner smell coming from the air conditioner means that there is a liquid that is leaking from the air conditioner system that should not be. An air conditioner makes use of chemicals to function and alternate between gases and fluids.
These chemicals are called refrigerant and they work to change hot air into cool air, that will blow from your air conditioning unit.
When the air conditioner finds itself in a state of malfunctioning, this can cause leaks to occur in the unit due to the coils in the unit breaking and leading to leaks.
A refrigerant leak can very rapidly fill up the entire home with a paint thinner like smell, which can actually be very toxic to the health of those exposed to the smell.
Refrigerant leaks are a serious issue and should be addressed promptly by a professional.
What are other ways to check if you have a leakage and how to get rid of the paint thinner smell from your home?
In the case that you still might not be sure if the paint thinner smell is coming from your air conditioner, there are other ways for you to confirm that it might be.
If your air conditioning unit is no longer cooling like it used to or is just not cooling at all, it could be a possible leak causing this.
If there is ice developing on the refrigerant lines or on the coils of the unit, then your air conditioner is definitely leaking of refrigerant.
On the other hand, if your air conditioner is suddenly making very strange and sometime worrisome noises, this will be an indication of a refrigerant leak and causing your air conditioner to produce a paint thinner potent smell.
If indeed, you have a refrigerant leak causing your unit to give off a very strong paint thinner like smell, then the first thing to do would be to have your leak checked by a qualified technician to fix it.
This is one way of getting rid of the smell in your home for good. It is one of the first steps to ensure to follow should a leak be the culprit, causing your home to smell of paint thinner.
Other ways of getting rid of the paint thinner smell include making sure that there is adequate ventilation in your home to let the smell escape.
Opening up windows and doors for some cross ventilation to happen will certainly help to allow the paint thinner smell to escape the house.
Neutralising the smell can also help and there are certain house items that can help to achieve this including using baking soda and sprinkling it all over the place where the smell might be the strongest and letting it stay overnight.
Activated charcoal in bowls can also help neutralise the smell as well as plain white vinegar placed around the home.
So, when your home air conditioner is giving off a paint thinner smell, know that you should not take it lightly, as a build-up of the smell in your home can be unhealthy and unpleasant.