What Is That Smell Coming From The HVAC Vents?
With the arrival of the winter season, preparing your home is necessary. This preparation should involve ensuring your heating system has been adequately maintained.
Even if your HVAC system was tuned up, unfortunately, it could still act up. Like all machinery, issues can come about even if you take good care of it.
If there are issues with your system, you will experience temperature fluctuations, or you might hear odd sounds when the system is operating.
Problems with your HVAC could also result in strange odors coming from the vents.
When it comes to HVAC smells, there are some things you should know.
Identifying Unusual Odors From HVAC System
Contents
- 1 Identifying Unusual Odors From HVAC System
- 1.1 Sewage Smells And Your Vents
- 1.2 Is A Mildew Or Moldy Odor Emitting From Your HVAC System?
- 1.3 A Burning Smell From The Heating System Or Furnace
- 1.4 Animal Smell Emanating From The Furnace
- 1.5 Natural Gas System Smells Like Rotten Egg
- 1.6 Sulfur Odor Through The Forced Air Heating System
- 1.7 Final Word
If an unusual smell is coming from the HVAC system, this is a cause for concern. Unusual odors indicate that something is not right with the system. Outlined below are some problems that could result in odd smells and how to remedy them:
Sewage Smells And Your Vents
If the smell of raw sewage is coming from your vents, it can make it hard to live in the home. It can be embarrassing as well. Additionally, it is an indication that something is not right.
A crack in the plumbing system or a backed up sewer line could be responsible for this smell. If the ducts or vents are near the source of the problem, it is easy for the odor to travel through the ducts and into your home. Such a repair is not a DIY job. Hiring an experienced HVAC contractor is the best option. They will locate the source of the issue and use the best solution to fix it.
Is A Mildew Or Moldy Odor Emitting From Your HVAC System?
Since they happen commonly in the ductwork, many homeowners do not take mildew and mold smells seriously. However, ignoring these odors is a horrible idea as they could cause household members to become sick. As soon as you notice these odors, an HVAC professional should be contacted to find the source of the smell and quickly get rid of it.
A Burning Smell From The Heating System Or Furnace
If a burning smell is coming from your vents, this could be the result of a mechanical problem. If there is a burning smell spreading around your home, it is essential to find the source of the smell. When you’re confident your home is not on fire, you should have your heating system checked. If the heater is causing the smell, it could be that the fan is overheating or otherwise faulty. Instead of taking the risk of doing this as a DIY project, an expert should be hired to examine the system and prevent further problems.
Animal Smell Emanating From The Furnace
If the smell of a dead animal is wafting through the vents, this is an indication that a mouse, rat or other small animal has died in the building cavity or the ductwork. If the ductwork has a hole close to it, the smell will be carried to different parts of the home by the vents. This very unpleasant odor should be eliminated right away. Changing the filter should be the first thing you do. If this does not work, an expert should be called in to get rid of the source of the smell.
Natural Gas System Smells Like Rotten Egg
If you have a natural gas heating system and it smells like rotten eggs, this is an obvious indication of danger. There could be a gas leak. If you are experiencing this smell, you should open the windows and you should get outside right away.
When you have safely reached outside, the gas company should be called to come to your home, locate the leak and fix it as fast as possible. Any delay in getting this done can be dangerous.
Sulfur Odor Through The Forced Air Heating System
If it smells sulfur or like a match has just been lit, there could be an electrical failure or mechanical issue in the heating system. Your circuit board could have a short. While this is not very serious, it would not be wise to take chances. A small mechanical or electrical issue could become a much larger one if it is not attended to right away. As soon as you notice the smell, you should call an HVAC professional.
Final Word
It is a very bad idea to ignore any strange smells that come from your HVAC system. If you have noticed any of the odors mentioned above, you should get in touch with an HVAC company without delay. Doing this is quite responsible and is actually the best method of ensuring that every member of your household is safe. Also, this will ensure that the heating and cooling system in your home will always be operating optimally.
R.F. Ohl delivers trusted and superior HVAC services.
We have the knowledge and expertise to install, maintain and repair any HVAC system, regardless of make and model. Our technicians are NATE certified and have the ability to diagnose any problem that arises. Additionally, we can provide the best solutions to affordably and quickly fix the problem.
At R.F. Ohl, our experts deliver reliable HVAC installations, maintenance, repairs and replacements services. We have the skills and expertise to provide the best recommendations to keep your home comfortable year round. Furthermore, we will ensure that your system is operating correctly.
Call us today to set up an appointment. We provide free in-home estimates, and our friendly team members are always happy to assist.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.