If your HVAC system is giving off a strange smell, it’s usually because there is something wrong. Depending on what you’re smelling, the problem could be severe and a threat to your health, or it can be an easily fixed. The experts at Tom Drexler Plumbing, Air, and Electric know all about HVAC system smells. Give us a call to find the HVAC services you need today.
Smell of Sulfur
If you smell something along the lines of rotten eggs or sulfur coming from your HVAC units, you probably have a gas leak. The sulfur smell is added to natural gas by gas companies to alert you when there is a leak.
In case of a gas leak, open all the windows and doors of your house. DO NOT use any electronics or flip any switches on or off. Evacuate your property, DO NOT start your car as the combustion in the engine can cause an explosion.
Once you are a safe distance from your home call your gas company and have your gas supply shut off, then call Tom Drexler Plumbing, Air, and Electric to have an expert come out to inspect and repair the leaking gas line.
Musty Odor
The musty odor you are smelling from your heater or AC unit is usually a sign that mold is present somewhere in the system. Mold can severely reduce the air quality in your home, leading to a higher risk of respiratory infection and aggravating conditions like asthma and allergies.
Mold can be caused by:
- Â An improperly sized HVAC unit not allowing air to circulate properly through your home.
- Accumulation of moisture in your air vents and duct system.
- A blocked drain pan causing moisture to accumulate in the unit.
If you suspect mold in your home, don’t stress it! An experienced HVAC service company like Tom Drexler Plumbing, Air, and Electric can help you get your HVAC system cleaned up and free of mold in no time!
Burning, Man!
A burning smell coming out of your air vents is likely a sign that one or more components in your HVAC system are overheating. Here are some of the issues that could be causing that burning smell, and their solutions:
- Dust on the heat exchanger: Over time, dust can accumulate on your furnace’s heat exchanger. When the heater is turned on, the dust may start to burn off. The smell will go away once the dust is all burned up.
- Â Overheating motor: Your motor may be overheating because of a number of things like excess strain put on it by a dirty air filter, a broken capacitor, and worn out bearings. If these issues have already been addressed and the smell persists, it may be time to replace the motor. Depending on the age of your HVAC unit, a technician may recommend replacing the entire unit.
- Â Worn out belts: When the rubber belt in your belt-drive blower begins to wear out, it can start to stink up the unit. Replacing the belt should get rid of the unpleasant smell.
- Electrical failure: If you smell burning plastic, it could be due to something in your system short-circuiting, defective breakers, or worn out wire connections. The experts at Tom Drexler Plumbing, Air, and Electric can help you sort any of these problems out.
