What do you do when a strange, persistent odor invades your home? Pesky smells might point to issues with your HVAC system.

Different odors can indicate a variety of issues within your HVAC system, ranging from simple air filter changes to more serious concerns — like a potential gas leak. Recognizing these smells can help you identify the cause of the problem and how to deal with it. This way, you can decide whether to grab your toolkit for a quick fix or call in the pros.

Can’t Ignore That Smell?

Check Out This List of Strange Smells That Might Be Plaguing YOUR Home

1. Musty Odor
A musty odor typically points to mold or mildew within your HVAC system, usually in the evaporator coils or air ducts, as the result of excess moisture accumulation.

Steps to Take:

• Inspect and replace the air filter if it’s dirty.
• Clean the evaporator coils and the drip pan.
• Prevent future mold growth by using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture and clean any visible mold in the accessible parts of the ductwork.

When to Contact a Professional:

• If the musty smell sticks around after cleaning.
• If you suspect mold growth in areas you can’t easily reach, such as deep inside the ductwork.

2. Burning Odor
A smell resembling burnt wires usually indicates an electrical issue. This could mean overheating electrical components, a motor problem, or debris within the system.

Steps to Take:

• Turn off the A/C immediately to prevent further damage.
• Check for visible debris around the unit and remove them — if it’s safe to do so.
• Ensure that the air filter is clean and properly installed.

When to Contact a Professional:

• If the burning odor persists after cleaning.
• If the burnt smell is accompanied by unusual rattling noises, it could signal a serious electrical problem.

3. Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell
If your home starts smelling like rotten eggs it could indicate a gas leak or a dead animal trapped within the system.

Steps to Take:

• Immediately turn off the gas supply and evacuate the area.
• If you suspect the smell is from a dead animal and not a gas leak, check easy-to-access areas in the ducts or outdoor unit.

When to Contact a Professional:

• If there’s a gas leak, contact your gas company and an HVAC technician immediately.
• If you can’t locate or safely remove a dead animal, call a professional to clean and sanitize the system.

4. Chemical or Paint Thinner Smell
A strong chemical odor, similar to paint thinner or industrial fumes, could indicate a refrigerant leak.

Steps to Take:

• Turn off the A/C to prevent further leakage.
• Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors.

When to Contact a Professional:

• Refrigerant leaks necessitate immediate attention from a professional technician to fix the leak and recharge the system.

5. Exhaust Fumes
If your home starts to smell like exhaust, it could mean there’s a fluid leak in your A/C or malfunctioning components.

Steps to Take:

• Turn off the A/C right away.
• Inspect the system for any visible leaks, especially if your unit is older.

When to Contact a Professional:

• If the smell continues or if you can’t pinpoint the source, this could be a sign of a more serious issue.

6. Sewage Smell
A foul sewage odor might indicate a backed-up drain line.

Steps to Take:

• If you’re comfortable doing so, inspect and clean the condensate drain line, and ensure that all plumbing vents are clear.

When to Contact a Professional:

• If the smell persists after cleaning the drain line.
• If you suspect a more complex plumbing issue is at play.

Conclusion

Your family deserves clean, fresh air. If your A/C is emitting strange smells, don’t hesitate to take action!

Talk to a skilled technician at Orange County/Tustin Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning today and restore comfort to your home.