Does a refrigerant leak smell?

Question

Last night we turned our 1 year old a/c system on for the first time this year. It felt great and we slept great. Today we were out all day at a memorial day picnic. We came home about 6pm and when we came in the house there was a distinctly abnormal smell. It's almost like a solvent or some cheap pvc product like an air mattress or pool. It's not real strong but definitely noticeable. The house is cool and the unit is blowing cool air. Any chance this is a refrigerant leak in the coil? Or is it most likely something we drug in the house that we aren't thinking would give of a smell?

TIA, Mark

Richard J Kinch · Accepted Answer

R-22 does have a medicinal solvent type odor, but it is not very strong, so if you have enough of a leak that you're smelling that, your unit ought not to be performing at all. Certainly not after a few more days.

nugent · Answer

Dead mouse or rat in the house??????????

Stormin Mormon · Answer

I don't think R-22 has any smell. Might, but never been aware of it(working with R-22 for the last dozen years). The compressor oil in anAC system has a slight odor. Yes, it could be a system leak. You'llknow in a day or two when the AC stops cooling.

Tekkie® · Answer

posted for all of us... I don't top post - see either inline or at bottom. Granny fart?Dildo say dat.

Reina Richter · Answer

Why does my central smell like car exhaust?

TimR · Answer

A. You left your car running in the driveway and you're smelling car exhaust. 10% B. Your tech cleaned the air handler coils and left some cleaner on it, which will shortly blow off. 2%. C. You have a plugged condensate drain causing wet coils and mold growth. 88% chance. When the drain pan fills it should trigger the safety switch.

trader_4 · Answer

D - They are another clueless HomeMoanersHub poster.  One line, no backgroundinfo that any logical person would supply so that they could get some reasonable answers.

Maurice Minifield · Answer

Sounds like maybe your central needs a new catalytic converter.

catalpa · Answer

"Reina Richter"

rbowman · Answer

South Central LA.

catalpa · Answer

LOL, I've been railroaded.

Does a refrigerant leak smell?

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