HVAC Odors- What They Mean for Your System
The smells emanating from your HVAC unit can tell a lot about the health of your system.
It is important to take action right away if you feel that your system may not be working properly, as a poorly working or defective system can take a toll on your home and health if not handled properly.
Here are the top odor signals to keep track of if you notice something out of the ordinary.
Are You Smelling Smoke?
The smell of smoke coming from your vents is almost always a sign that there could be something wrong mechanically with your HVAC system.
The critical moving parts of your system have the potential to overheat and could even catch fire if not handled properly.
If you smell smoke in your home, be sure to shut your HVAC system off immediately and check the unit.
Damp Odors
Mold and mildew often times may grow and attach themselves to condenser coils and leave an odorous smell throughout the ductwork of your HVAC system. There are several different causes for mold and mildew growth in your HVAC system, such as blocked drainage tubes, leaky ductwork, and insufficient insulation.
Before cleaning your system, it is important to take care of these issues so they reoccur. Mold and mildew is not only a nuisance, it is a health hazard.
Dust In Your System
The first time you turn on your heater after the warm summer months, it is normal for an unpleasant smell to initially draft from your unit. This is caused by dust, which settles and accumulates onto your furnace when it is not being used. Opening windows in your home will quickly rid the smell once the initial dust burns off.
As time goes on, aging HVAC units will require proper care by a seasoned professional. Alps has been proudly serving the Orange County area since 1979. If you have any questions about your HVAC unit, do not hesitate to contact us at 800-994-2577 for more on how we can extend the life of your unit and keep both your home and family happy and healthy.