You depend on your HVAC system to heat and cool your home year-round. Occasionally, you may notice a foul odor coming in along with the air. In order to eliminate the smell, it’s important to know what’s causing it. Here a technician well-versed in HVAC technology trends tells you what you should do if you notice strange smells coming from your vents.

Musty odor

A musty smell caused by mold or mildew is a common one. While it’s not a serious problem for your equipment, the growth of these microorganisms can lead to respiratory issues and other health complications, mainly due to poor air quality inside the home. Condensation within the unit and bacteria growing on its coils are common causes of musty odors. To eliminate this particular issue, a technician should determine the location of the moisture buildup and have it cleaned up properly.

Burning odor

Sometimes there’s a slight burning smell when you turn on your furnace. This is because dust gathers on the heat exchanger when the equipment isn’t running, then burns off when the furnace is turned on for the first time in a while. As long as the odor doesn’t linger, there’s nothing to worry about. But if your vents smell like something is overheating, there may be a problem with the wiring within the motor. In this case, you should contact a furnace and AC repair specialist right away.

Rotten odor3

If you rely on natural gas for your heating, you may notice a rotten egg smell. This foul odor is likely coming from a leak in the system. To get rid of this, switch off your gas immediately and open the windows to let in fresh air. Then, call an HVAC technician to inspect your equipment. In the meantime, avoid using any item that can ignite a spark or flame in the area.

If you need to repair your HVAC system or install a surge protector for an AC unit, you can always count on McLay Services, Inc. Give us a call at (909) 392-2202 or fill out our contact form to schedule a service appointment. We serve clients in La Verne, CA, and nearby areas.