What happens when your home becomes filled with a strange, lingering smell that you can’t just blame on the dog? There’s a chance that your HVAC — the system responsible for circulating air through your home — might be the source of the problem.
Different smells indicate a variety of potential problems with your HVAC, ranging from air filters needing replacement to more serious problems, like a possible gas leak. Knowing what smells to look out for will not only help you identify the likeliest cause of the problem, but it will also help you gauge the urgency of the issue. That way you can quickly grab your tool kit and get to work on home repairs, or call a professional (if necessary).
A musty smell means mold and mildew might be lurking in your HVAC. This typically takes place in the evaporator coils or air ducts as a result of moisture buildup.
Check and replace the air filter if it’s dirty. Then clean the evaporator coils and the drip pan.
To prevent mold from becoming a problem in the future, you can use a dehumidifier to lower moisture build up, and be sure to clean any visible mold in accessible parts of the ductwork.
Call a professional HVAC technician if the moldy smell persists after cleaning, or if you suspect mold is growing in places you can’t easily access, like deep within the ductwork.
If you smell smoke or burnt wires, this likely indicates an electrical issue. This might take the form of overheating electrical components, a motor issue, or debris in the system.
First, turn off the A/C IMMEDIATELY to prevent further damage. You can then check for visible debris around the unit and remove it if safe to do so. You’ll also want to double check that the air filter is clean and properly installed.
If the burning smell continues even after you’ve cleaned and removed the debris from your unit, this may indicate a serious electrical issue — especially if the burnt smell is accompanied by strange rattling noises.
If your home reeks of rotten eggs, it might not just be the result of a cruciferous diet. A strong sulfur smell could indicate a gas leak or a dead animal within the system.
Turn off the gas supply and immediately evacuate the area.
If you suspect the smell is the result of a dead animal, and not a gas leak, you can check easy-to-access areas in the ducts or outdoor unit.
If there’s a gas leak, contact your gas company and a Norwalk Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning professional IMMEDIATELY.
If you can’t locate or safely remove a dead animal, call a professional to clean and sanitize the system.
If you notice a strong industrial smell or find yourself becoming lightheaded from kerosene-like fumes, you may be experiencing a refrigerant leak.
First turn off the A/C to prevent further leakage, and then air out your space by opening doors and windows.
Refrigerant issues require immediate professional attention to repair the leak and recharge the system.
If your home smells like driving down the I-5 with your windows down during rush hour, there may be a fluid leak inside your A/C, or other malfunctioning components.
Turn off your A/C immediately and inspect it for visible leaks around the system. These are especially common in older units.
If the smell persists or you can’t identify the source, this may indicate a serious issue.
The stagnant stench of sewage might mean a backed-up drain line.
If you feel comfortable doing so, inspect and clean the condensate drain line, and ensure that all plumbing vents are clear.
Call a pro technician if the smell continues after cleaning the drain line, or if you suspect a more extensive plumbing issue may be at work.
You deserve clean, fresh-smelling air. So if your A/C is producing unpleasant smells, we want to help!
Talk to an expert technician at Norwalk Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning today to get started!
Norwalk/La Mirada, CA 91766 | (562) 219-4085
