Common HVAC Odors and How to Prevent Them

In the heat of summer, you rely on your trusty air conditioner to keep you comfortable. The last thing you want is to experience is an unpleasant smell assaulting your senses when your cooling unit kicks on. If not well-maintained, your HVAC system, like any home appliance, could start emitting offensive odors. The source of these smells could range from innocuous to dangerous, which is why it’s important to understand what’s causing them and how to prevent them.

Albert Air Inc., an industry leader in air conditioning service, identifies some of the most common HVAC odors, their causes and how to address them. Here are a few common HVAC odors, as well as what you need to know to combat them.

Burning Electrical Odor

If you notice a smell that resembles a burning electrical odor, you must act fast. It could be coming from several electrical components of your HVAC system, any of which could lead to a fire if they were to become damaged or overheated. You must turn off the HVAC system at once and have a professional HVAC technician check your furnace or the condenser outside your home.

Mustiness

A musty odor coming from your HVAC system very often signals mold. The moisture that comes with the heat of summer often collects in the unit itself or in the ductwork, making your HVAC system an ideal place for mold to grow. If you notice this odor, contact an Albert Air Inc. technician immediately. They can pinpoint why mold is flourishing and correct the problem. Sometimes, the HVAC repair needed is as simple as replacing the air filter or cleaning the ducts.

Garbage-Like Odors

Another common odor is reminiscent of stinky garbage. This often occurs when a rodent or other small animal has nested in your HVAC system. The smell comes from either the nest, the animal’s fecal matter or the decaying body if the animal has died. If you notice this unpleasant odor, ask a professional to sort the problem out for you. An HVAC technician can locate and plug any holes or gaps you may have in the ductwork, which will help ensure that no animals can re-enter.

If you’ve asked yourself lately, “Where can I find air conditioning repair near me?”, you can trust Albert Air, Inc. to provide for all of your HVAC needs. We can help you find the source of suspicious odors and address them in a jiffy. Call us at (714) 278-4185 for a free estimate.