Please Tell Me Why My HVAC Smells Foul?

Whether you are heating your home in the winter or cooling it down in the summer, you expect your HVAC system to be there when you need it. When you crank up the heat on the coldest night of the year or fire up the AC in the summer heat, you expect your HVAC system to respond instantly, run quietly and make your home instantly comfortable.

When your HVAC system is functioning normally and running efficiently, you should not even know it is there. An efficient HVAC system runs quietly, so you may not even realize it is on. Your HVAC system should also emit no odors; if you notice a strong smell when you fire up the system, there is definitely something wrong.

A Foul Odor

If you are afraid to turn on your HVAC system because of the smell, it is time to do some detective work. A number of things can cause foul odors in an HVAC system, and eliminating the possibilities one by one is the best way to proceed.

The first thing to check when your HVAC system emits foul odors is the filter. If the filter is clogged or dirty, particles in the air could be entering your living space and creating that bad smell. Replacing the filters on your HVAC system could be all that is needed to alleviate the problem and keep your home smelling sweet.

Blocked Ductwork

The ducts in your home could also be blocked, and those blockages could be responsible for the bad odor you smell when you turn on the HVAC system. It is not always easy to spot these blockages, and you may need to have a professional inspect the system to be sure there is no residue remaining.

If you know where the residue is and can easily reach it, removing it should alleviate the foul odor and help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Just turn off the system for a few minutes, allow it to reset and turn the HVAC system back on. If the foul odor is gone, you have nothing more to worry about. If not, you need to do some more detective work.

Dirty Socks

If your HVAC system emits an odor that reminds you of dirty socks, you could be looking at a mold and mildew problem. The growth of mold and mildew can create bacterial infestations, and that growth of bacteria is responsible for the bad smell.

If you suspect mold and mildew in your home or HVAC system, it is best to have your system inspected by a professional. A professional HVAC technician can determine the source of the problem and use their expertise to remove the mold and mildew, making your home a safer place to be.

Your HVAC system should not smell bad. If you notice a foul odor coming from your HVAC unit, you need to take immediate steps to fix it. Allowing the odor to linger is bad for your nose, but it could be bad for your health as well.

Call Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling for all your plumbing, heating, & cooling needs. In the greater West Michigan, Lakeshore, and surrounding areas call: 844-HVAC-365