What Do I Do If My HVAC Starts To Smell Bad?

February 5, 2024

If you find that your HVAC is starting to smell bad, there could be a few things behind it. Here are some common causes and what you should do if it happens to you.


It is important to realize that a different smell means a different problem. Therefore, to diagnose the sort of issue you are experiencing with your air conditioning system, you need to begin by understanding what sort of smell is going on!


Burning Smell

If you can smell something that is burning, the chances are that this is exactly what is happening. This could be a problem with the wiring or it could be that your motor is overheating. If not, it is likely to be some other type of mechanical issue. Either way, this is a serious issue. You need to turn the HVAC system off right away and get in touch with a professional who can determine what is going on.


Sewage Smell

Another common smell that HVAC systems can produce when there is a problem is a sewage smell. Sewer gases can end up backing up into your property if the P-traps are dry. You should try running the water in all of your sinks at least once per month. The purpose of this is so that the P-trap fills and there is a seal created against those dreaded sewage smells.


If dry P-traps are not the issue, you may have a sewer line that is backed up, or the issue could be a sewer vent pipe that has become ruptured. One thing is for sure, though; sewer gases can be dangerous. Therefore, we recommend that you get in touch with an experienced HVAC technician at the earliest possibility.


Rotten Egg Smell

Does your HVAC system smell like rotten eggs? There certainly isn’t anything pleasant about having this sort of smell in your home. However, one thing you should never do is ignore it. This smell tends to be one of the most serious, as it can indicate that you have gas leaking in your home.


Dirty Trash/Rotting Carcass Smell

Does your HVAC system have a smell that is like dirty trash or a rotting carcass? If so, this could indicate that a critter has died in your duct or HVAC system. When this happens, the smell can become so intense that you simply cannot ignore it. The sooner that the decomposition is spotted, the better. Simply turn off your AV system and then get your windows and doors open for some much-needed ventilation. After this, contact a pest management company or a professional HVAC technician at the earliest opportunity for some assistance.


So there you have it: some of the different reasons why your HVAC may smell bad. If you notice any of the different things that we have mentioned above, the best thing to do is get in touch with an 
HVAC professional as soon as possible who will be able to get to the bottom of why your HVAC system smells bad, ensuring you get the repair service you need.

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Your air conditioner helps you get through the heat of late spring, summer, and early fall. You probably depend on it even more than you depend on your heater or other appliances. The truth is that without good air conditioning, you'd struggle to relax, sleep, or even get work done. But despite how important your AC system is, few people actually take the time to consider air conditioning maintenance. If you think that hiring cooling and heating services to inspect your air conditioner seems like a waste of time or money, you just don't know the amazing benefits of regular AC maintenance. Keep reading to find out why regular AC maintenance is a vital task that can protect both you and your air conditioner. Efficiency Have you gone for several years without conducting or hiring AC maintenance? You may actually be wasting money running an inefficient machine. Maintenance tasks include replacing filters, cleaning internal parts, and maintaining good fluid levels to ensure your air conditioner functions properly, for lower cooling costs per month. You can actually save money by hiring a cooling and heating repair company to optimize AC efficiency. Repairs Savings Other significant savings come in the form of fewer repairs. A well-maintained air conditioner is less likely to break down or malfunction unexpectedly, which means that you save money on cooling repair costs. Even better, trained maintenance technicians know how to spot problems early and address them before they're serious. This means you can save money by taking precautionary measures rather than paying to fix a broken unit with advanced problems like frozen condenser coils. Reliable Cooling The best part of a central air conditioning system with a thermostat is the ability to set your preferred temperature and then trust that you'll stay cool. However, this relies on a well-maintained, properly functioning AC system. Regular maintenance can help you get through the hottest, most uncomfortable months of the year without incident. Healthier Indoor Air Did you know that maintaining your air conditioner can effectively make your indoor air quality healthier? You spend most of your life indoors and about a third of your life sleeping, so you need clean and healthy indoor air to prevent problems like allergy attacks and asthma from taking over your life. A well-maintained air conditioner won't circulate dust and dander throughout your home in a continuous cycle. You'll feel and smell the difference when you have cleaner indoor air. Pro Recommendations Professional heating and cooling companies recommend that you have your air conditioner inspected at least once a year. Ideally, it should be inspected twice a year, and each visit can be combined with a semiannual heating inspection. The goal is to maintain each unit before its season of use, to ensure it's ready for several months of operation, and after its season of use to check for degradation. If you need professional maintenance for your heating and cooling system, go straight to a team of trained and experienced professionals. Wright Air Conditioning & Heating Co offers maintenance for all HVAC systems, as well as installation and repairs. As experienced cooling and heating contractors, they have the skills to provide you with the 4 benefits above and more. Visit wrightacandheating.com/ today to schedule services, get a quote, or learn more about heating and air conditioning repair in Magnolia.