Some HVAC odors are merely a nuisance that can be remedied with a quick fix, and some odors can mean there is a more serious underlying issue. Regardless, HVAC odors are unpleasant.
Familiarize yourself with some of the most common odors below and their levels of severity to decide on the best course of action:
Rotten Egg Odor
Let’s start off with rotten egg odors because this is usually the most dangerous. If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur, you might have a natural gas leak, which needs to be addressed immediately. Call an HVAC professional immediately. While natural gas is naturally odorless, a strong smell is added to it to be able to identify it if there is a leak.
Musty or Moldy Odor
A musty or moldy smell may also be cause for concern. It usually means that moisture has gotten into the ductwork and mold or mildew has started to grow. Left untreated, these molds can grow and begin to cause health issues for anyone in the house breathing the air that passes through these mold-infested ducts. Contact an HVAC technician as soon as possible to address this issue. If you’re looking for a reputable HVAC company to help you clean your ductwork, check out Air Excellence Inc. After the mold is gone, a dehumidifier may help keep the mold from returning.
Gas Odor
This is something people usually first smell when they turn their heat on for the first time in a while. During the summer or for the extended period time you have your furnace off, dust can settle in your system. When you turn the furnace on again, that dust gets burned off and it can smell like gas. It usually will go away within a few minutes. If it doesn’t, have a technician come inspect your HVAC unit and make any necessary repairs to make sure you’re taking care of any larger problems.
Cigarette Smoke Odor
Even if someone hasn’t recently smoked in your home, cigarette smoke is a notoriously hard smell to get rid of. The smell can settle in your filter and the coil. You may be able to get rid of the smell by changing your HVAC’s air filter. If that doesn’t help, consider calling an HVAC technician for a professional tune-up service.
Electrical Odor
An electrical odor is more common than you think. This can be due to a faulty wire, or a motor that burned out. Electrical problems could mean a risk of a fire, so be sure to contact a professional to get your unit and wiring inspected as soon as you can.
If you notice any odors in your house that seem to be coming from your HVAC unit, make sure to try and get to the source of the problem as soon as possible. As previously mentioned, some odors are simple and easy fixes, while others can be a sign of something more sinister. Either way, be sure to have a professional HVAC technician come out and inspect, to provide you with a solution and — even better — peace of mind.
