Musty, stale, or sour smells coming from your vents are a nuisance, but they can also signal serious issues that require immediate attention from a skilled heating contractor. Depending on the type of smell, you might be dealing with a mold infestation, gas leak, or just poor air circulation. Understanding where these odors are coming from will help keep your family safe and your home smelling fresh throughout the winter.

3 Common Unpleasant HVAC Smells

1. Must or Mold

Musty, dusty odors are often caused by mold growing inside your ducts. In most cases, these infestations start in excess moisture trapped inside your air conditioner, but they can continue to grow throughout the winter. These odors should be investigated by a professional immediately since mold can pose a serious health risk to those with allergies or other breathing issues.

2. Burning

A slight burning smell is common when you first turn the heater on for the winter, as dust and debris are burned off. If the odor doesn’t go away, however, your furnace might have more serious problems, which could pose a fire hazard. An experienced heating contractor will thoroughly examine your entire system to find the source of the smell and ensure your furnace is running safely.

3. Stale Air

Energy-efficient windows and high-quality insulation do lower your utility bills, but they also trap air inside your house. Over time, this can give your indoor environment an unpleasant, stale odor. Fortunately, opening some doors and windows on warmer days will circulate the air and make your home smell fresh.
 

Since 1977, homeowners throughout North Carolina’s Carrabus County have relied on the heating contractors at Concord Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. for prompt, friendly service and dependable results. Whether your furnace has stopped working in the middle of the night or your vents are giving off an unpleasant smell, their experienced technicians will keep your home comfortable throughout the winter. Learn more about their HVAC services online, or call (704) 786-6608 to schedule a service with an experienced heating contractor today.