One of the primary functions of an HVAC system in the Beehive State is to keep the indoor air quality good. But sometimes, turning your heating equipment may release a funny smell. It can send a signal that you need a new furnace in Orem, Utah, or it can be a sign that you have some cleaning to do.
Learn about the mystery behind the common HVAC odors you can encounter below:
Rotten Eggs
The smell of rotten eggs is hard to miss and to tolerate. But if the rancid odor is not coming from your fridge or groceries, it probably originating in the ducts.
This stink might indicate natural gas leakage. Usually, natural gas is odorless, but utilities mix Mercaptan with it to lend it a pungent smell. This additive is harmless and can save lives because a gas leakage is otherwise not detectable without its offensive presence to the nose.
Not all natural gas leaks are dangerous, but it pays to err on the side of caution. Waste no time to call an HVAC technician immediately and wait outside the house until an expert addresses the root cause of the problem.
Burning Electrical Components
Electrical odors are distinctive, but they are not exclusive to burning wires. The unpleasant smell may point to dust, which should go away on its own and be completely gone in less half an hour.
But when you still smell the electrical odor after 30 minutes, shut off your HVAC unit immediately. The mysterious stink is probably due to an actual burning electrical component. Pick up your phone and request for service to diagnose the issue accurately and prevent a fire.
Musty Smells
It is not uncommon for dust and debris to build up inside your HVAC equipment. But what should not be normal is you not cleaning it regularly. If you forget to change the air filter of your furnace, the musty odor that it reeks upon turning it on should remind you.
The odor should die down after a few days, or sooner if you install a fresh air filter. But when it continues to linger, invite a qualified technician to inspect your smelly HVAC unit.
Moldy Odors
Mold can grow in the ductwork because it tends to be damp. The problem is that the ducts are the worst place to have allergens, for they can quickly invade different parts of the house. When you fire up your furnace, the heated air it produces can become polluted because of mold.
Installing UV lights is an elegant solution to the proliferation of contaminants in the ductwork. These devices combat mold spores and bacteria in the air, purifying it before it goes out of the HVAC system.
Your sense of smell is a powerful tool to detect an HVAC problem. But it is useless if you do not have a sense of urgency.
Do not take any funny odor for granted since it may indicate more danger than you think. Call in a credentialed HVAC technician in the Beehive State the moment your nose detects something wrong.
