For all of human history, funky smells have spelled disaster; warning signs coded into our very DNA to detect danger, poison, inedible foods, and uncomfortable environments.
So when your HVAC is spewing scents that raise eyebrows, and not temperatures, it’s natural to panic–but that doesn’t mean you need to freak out! (Little known and totally-made up fact: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1977 hit single “That Smell” was written after the band’s run-in with a filthy HVAC in the dirty south!)
Most bad smells originate from a group of easily-recognizable issues, and can be solved without too much hassle. Read on to learn more about some of the most common scents you may come up against!
Musty Feet
A funky foot fragrance normally means one thing–your HVAC unit is extremely dirty and likely clogged. Hey, it’s not your fault! This kind of issue typically starts with a unit that doesn’t drain out properly, leaving water, runoff, and dirt to pool up in stagnant puddles.
A seasonal tune-up (or even better, a preventative maintenance agreement) would keep this from ever crossing into disgusting territory!
Burning (Gunpowder, Scorched Toast)
If you smell something burning in your vents, SHUT IT DOWN. Immediately.
First, check your home for appliances that could be spilling smoke—your oven, a toaster, an air fryer gone awry. If the culprit is indeed an appliance fire (and not an A/C issue), act appropriately! Call the fire department and get to safety.
If you can’t find the source, check your HVAC unit. If you smell gunpowder or more burning odors, your circuit board or fan motor are shorting out.
Rotten Eggs, Gas, Exhaust, Skunk
This could go a few ways: dead animal matter, an actual gas leak, or freon on the loose.
First of all—know that your A/C doesn’t run on a combustion engine and most don’t run on gas. That said? Gas leaks can begin somewhere else in your home and waft through the vents, so you cannot discount the idea. If you suspect an actual gas leak, clear out of your home and immediately call the fire department.
If the scent is more of a sickly-sweet odor, inspect your unit for freon leaks. If you cannot locate a leak of any kind—but still smell that skunky sweet scent—check for rodents or small animals in the ductwork.
Mildew
More like mold-dew, right?
In all seriousness, mildew smells are some of the most common odors from HVAC units in Florida, and indicate mold or fungus on the ground around your A/C unit. Even worse, it could have crept into your ductwork! Mold and fungus absolutely thrive in warm, moist environments.
Keep Your HVAC Fresh!
Nearly all of these issues can be kept at bay with regular maintenance from our top-tier technicians!
To schedule your next tune-up, give us a ring at 1-800-AC-REPAIR!
