Troubleshooting Common HVAC Odors
Knowing the common HVAC odors and their causes will help homeowners take quick corrective action
HVAC systems maintain good indoor air quality and keep the home environment comfortable. A well-maintained HVAC system will perform well without experiencing any significant problems. However, there are times when the HVAC system will give some warning signs that the unit needs attention. Foul odors emanating from the system are one such symptom.
HVAC odors can have different causes. While some odors are harmless and inexpensive to fix, others may indicate something potentially dangerous and a severe system or ductwork issue requiring assistance from a professional HVAC service.
Knowing the common HVAC odors and their causes will help homeowners take quick corrective action and prevent them from causing bigger complications in the future and impacting their quality of life. We invite you to keep reading to know the reasons for HVAC odors.
Dirty or clogged air filter
Air filters trap dirt and other contaminants from the air that circulates through the ducts. These filters require regular cleaning or replacement. Failure to do so will lead to a clogged filter. A dirty air filter can result in a musty or stale odor. Clogs in the filter weaken the airflow, allowing smells from different household activities to linger longer.
Blocked drain lines
Drain lines require regular cleaning. A blockage in the drain line due to algae or mold leads to moisture build-up, which causes musty odors. Regular HVAC cleaning and tune-up by a professional can prevent these odors.
Gas leak
A natural gas leak can give off a rotten egg or sulfur smell. Although natural gas is odorless, some utility providers add a chemical that gives this distinctive smell to alert homeowners about leaks. A natural gas leak is a severe issue. Call the utility company right away and schedule an HVAC check-up.
Electrical issue
An overheating or burnt motor, debris accumulation, clogged filters, circuit panel short, mechanical problems, and faulty wiring can cause burning or gunpowder-like odors. Any electrical problem increases fire risk and needs professional inspection as soon as possible to ensure home safety.
Sewer line clogs
Sewage smells indicate a sewer line issue. A damaged or clogged sewer line near the ductwork can cause the odors to travel through the ductwork. A plumber and HVAC technician can work together to fix the issue.
Cigarette smoke
When someone smokes indoors, the odor penetrates the filter and evaporator coil. The smell of cigarettes is re-circulated every time the system is used. Cigarette or tobacco smoke is a health hazard. Upgrade the air filter, sanitize the evaporator coil, or install an air purification system to eliminate the odor.
Refrigerant leak
A refrigerant leak harms the environment and family health. Leaking refrigerant can cause sweet, chemical odors from the vent, ductwork, or AC. Call a technician to look into the problem immediately.
Dirty evaporator coil
A general stink, musty smell, or dirty sock odor indicates mold or bacteria growth or dust and grime build-up on evaporator coils. Regularly cleaning the coils can prevent the problem from happening again.
Dead animals inside the ductwork
The presence of dead rodents, birds, critters, or their nests and fecal matter in the HVAC duct system can cause unpleasant odors. A technician can inspect and clean the ductwork.
Get on top of HVAC odors
Never try to cover up foul HVAC odors. Call an HVAC service company technician to diagnose the exact cause and deal with it efficiently.
Evenflow Home Services specializes in heat pump repair, heat pump replacement, HVAC replacement, HVAC blower motor, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and emergency heat pump repair. Call us at (210) 941-3503
