Being a homeowner is highly beneficial because you have a permanent place to stay. Consequently, it’s also a responsibility because a house is an investment you must protect. This goes for every corner of your home to ensure that you and your family live comfortably. Of course, your HVAC system is no exception.
The HVAC system is responsible for heating and cooling your home’s interior, which keeps it comfortable and pleasant to live in. A good HVAC system effectively ensures that your house is maintained at the right temperature regardless of outdoor weather. Despite its benefits, it’s not without its faults because it can emit strange smells that signify different issues. For this reason, homeowners must be aware of these smells, such as:
#1 – General Funky Smell
You may find your HVAC system emitting a funky smell during the summers or winter. It’s a common occurrence and not necessarily a sign of trouble. Instead, it could be attributed to the system undergoing specific processes to cleanse the air and give off a pleasant scent.
However, there are some cases where the smell is due to a more severe issue with the unit. This smell can result from the air circulating through the units rather than the air from outside. It can also be caused by moisture from a clogged drain line or a dirty condensing unit, giving off a funky smell.
#2 – Rotten Eggs
The smell of rotten eggs could be caused by a hydrogen sulfide gas in the air, often emitted from a gas boiler. If a gas boiler is not installed correctly, the exhaust might not be adequately vented, leading to sulfur fumes. The smell will be strong, and it will start to fill your home.
This is also a sign that the system requires service and cleaning. This can be done by a professional, and they will diagnose the problem and fix it. A clean system will improve your HVAC system’s performance and efficiency and give off a pleasant smell.
#3 – Chemicals
The smell of chemicals from your HVAC system is never a good sign, mainly because it could be hazardous. This smell can result from a chiller unit or air conditioning coil, which has become contaminated with a cleaning or adhesive product. It can also be caused by a service technician working with solvents instead of wearing the required protective gear.
These smells are not only unpleasant, but they’re also unhealthy. A technician should always wear the proper protective gear and use the right chemicals during a service call. If you smell chemicals from your HVAC unit, you must contact a technician and have them check the unit.
#4 – Burnt Smell
Smelling something burning from your HVAC system is alarming because this signifies that something may have overheated. The smell can be due to a motor, capacitor, or other electrical components. It could also be caused by a part of the system that’s not attached correctly.
A burnt smell from your HVAC system must be fixed as soon as possible because it could lead to a fire or a burst pipe. Not only does it makes the air in your home unpleasant to breathe, it is dangerous.
#5 – Metallic Burn
Smelling something burning is one thing, but metallic burning is another. This is a distinct smell because it’s sharper and more pungent than something burning. The smell can be due to a bad motor or compressor, which needs to be serviced immediately. There could also be an electrical problem that’s causing a current to travel through the motor and burn itself out.
Conclusion
Your HVAC system is a critical part of your home because it ensures that you and your family live a comfortable life. Your HVAC system must be checked regularly because it can develop issues over time. By knowing what different smells signify in your HVAC system, you can take the proper steps to fix any problems that could arise in the future.
Paul’s Heating & Air, Inc. provides top-quality services for HVAC installation. Our HVAC specialists will ensure that your home will have a robust system that can serve you for all seasons at a fair price. Simply go to our website to make an appointment!!
