Like any system in your home, your heating and cooling devices can experience issues over time. In particular, some homeowners begin to notice strange smells coming from their HVAC system. Oftentimes, these unfamiliar scents can be traced to specific issues. Below, discover what could be causing your system’s odor.

5 Types of HVAC Smells & Their Causes

1. Rotten Eggs

Any time you notice this foul odor, act quickly. A smell of sulfur or rotten eggs typically indicates a natural gas leak inside the home. To avoid dangerous inhalation, open the windows, get outside, and contact your gas company quickly. If a gas leak has been ruled out, it’s also possible that decaying matter in the ducts could be causing the scent.

2. Mold or Mustiness

Even if mold isn’t visible on or near your HVAC unit, you could still have a mold issue present. As air moves over the evaporator coils in your system, it creates condensation. When the components are functioning properly, it will drain out of your home. If a component is damaged, however, water can accumulate in the ducts and cause mold development. 

3. Household Odors

Do strong smells of pet dander, cooked food, or other household odors seem to be coming from your vents? If so, it could indicate subpar air quality. An air purifying system helps to remove contaminants from your indoor air, which is especially beneficial if your home has anyone with allergies or asthma.

4. Dirty Laundry

The smell of damp, wet laundry, often described as a “dirty sock” smell, is another telltale sign of decaying debris. Caused by bacteria accumulating on the evaporator coils, the root cause of the issue can be traced to built-up dust, dirt, and moisture. Routine HVAC tune-ups can help to prevent the issue from recurring.

5. Electrical Smells

If an electrical or burning smell is coming from your system, take note. The system may be overheating as a result of a clogged air filter, which restricts air flow. Clean or change your filters once every three months, or more frequently if you have pets. If a dirty filter isn’t to blame and you’re noticing a smell of burning plastic, shut your system off promptly and call a professional.

No matter the cause of your unwanted HVAC scent, Sunshine Air Conditioning and Heating can get to the bottom of it. Serving Peekskill and Cortland, NY, this dedicated team of heating and cooling specialists excels in servicing and installing climate control systems for homeowners throughout the community. The company maintains an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and has been in business for nearly two decades. Browse through their services online or discuss your needs by calling (914) 245-2050.