5 Types of HVAC Smells That You Should Never Ignore
Ignoring unusual HVAC smells is an expensive mistake. Only 42% of homeowners schedule HVAC maintenance, despite regular repairs resulting in systems lasting 40% longer.
Whether it’s winter, summer, or anything in between, it’s worth every cent to keep it running. Once you notice your system starts emitting a strange smell, you need to take action right away.
These 5 common types of HVAC smells indicate there’s something wrong with your system.
1. Rotten Eggs
There’s nothing like the smell of sulfur. It’s one of the worst scents that can fill your home, and it’s the sign of a bigger problem. A gas leak is a serious safety risk, so you have to solve the problem immediately.
Do not try to turn off the HVAC system or air out your home. Evacuate the area immediately. Stay outside and call your gas company to fix the leak.
2. Dirty Socks
Having your home smell like dirty laundry is anything but pleasant. In addition to it being an inconvenience, it’s also dangerous. You’re not smelling dirty socks, what you’re smelling is decay.
To avoid this problem in the future, schedule HVAC tune-ups at least once a year. Solve the problem before you have one.
If it’s too late for that don’t worry. A germicidal ultra-violet light solves the problem when placed correctly.
3. Moldy Scent
Musty odors are caused by mold. Even if you haven’t seen any other signs of mold in your house, that doesn’t mean it’s not there.
This isn’t an emergency situation in most cases. It is a sign of poor air quality that you will want to fix.
If this isn’t your first time having mold issues in your home or HVAC systems, you have to take action. Installing a germicidal ultra-violet light stops mold from growing and helps to eliminate fungus.
4. Oil Odors
An oil smell coming from HVAC means that there’s an oil leak somewhere. Try to find the leak. Fixing it could be as simple as tightening a fitting. For homeowners comfortable doing their own repairs, you’ll have no problem.
If you can’t find any signs of an oil leak, call an HVAC repairman. It’s probably a problem with the oil burner.
There’s no reason for concern if you only smell oil for a few hours after a new HVAC system is installed.
5. The Smell of Gas
As long as the scent doesn’t linger, everything is fine. Toxic HVAC smells are worrisome, especially when it smells like a gas leak.
Call your gas company in case there’s a leak anywhere. It could also be something completely benign. In the summer, dust collects in the HVAC system, and turning it back on can lead to unpleasant HVAC odors.
Don’t Wait to Fix HVAC Smells
As soon as you notice strange HVAC smells you need to find a way to fix the problem.
The best way to do this is by hiring certified professionals. This guarantees that there is minimal hassle and your heating and cooling system is running again as fast as possible.
For more information and HVAC services, contact us today!
