When you start to feel the weather getting brisk, you’ll head to your thermostat and switch on your heater for the first time all year. The warm air it creates is welcoming, but the range of smells that appear with it isn’t. The cause of the smell depends on the type of scent created by your HVAC unit. It’s important to identify the odor, and call an HVAC technician to improve your home’s air quality.

3 Causes of Strange Odors From Your HVAC Unit

Mechanical or Electrical Issue

The biggest indicator of a mechanical issue is if you smell smoke in your home. Smoke is typically caused by parts of the HVAC unit overheating. If this happens to you, physically inspect the unit and then, immediately turn off your HVAC unit using the thermostat. In this situation, it’s best to call an electrician for an HVAC repair, particularly if there’s smoke emanating from the condenser. You don’t want to risk an electrical fire.

Mold Infestation

A musty smell means that mold or mildew has developed on parts of the HVAC unit. It’s often caused by obstructed drain tubes, lack of insulation, or leaks. You may not have noticed it forming on coils and in your ducts until the odor moves into your home. Unfortunately, the spores can disseminate throughout your house, creating an unhealthy environment. Your electrician will pinpoint and clean up the mold or mildew. 

Dust

When you initially turn on your heater for the year, you might notice a weird odor. The good news is that this odor is completely normal and will dissipate shortly. Your heater is simply burning off the dust that has formed on its parts during the warmer seasons. If you can’t stand the smell, turn on a few floor fans and open the windows to air it out quicker.

Does your home or business have a peculiar scent when your HVAC unit is running? If so, call Tom Hundley Heating & Cooling in Broken Arrow, OK, at (918) 455-5993. Their highly-rated technicians will identify the source of the smell, provide a heater repair promptly, and allow your system to run more efficiently. Visit the website to view the range of residential and commercial services offered.