Why does your heat pump smell? This question often comes up in the fall and winter as you turn on your heat pump for the first time in months. Here, we discuss some common heat pump odors in Oak Ridge, TN, and their meaning.
Burning Smell
The smell of burning and an increase in the noise level of the compressor may mean the HVAC system motor is failing. It may also indicate burning wires. In either case, you should call a professional technician immediately.
Unlike any other odor, a burning smell can be dangerous. It is a fire hazard because burning wires could ignite your heat pump and severely damage it.
When the HVAC system burns, it will leave you with expensive repair work. Take action, and turn off the HVAC system immediately.
Musty Odor
This smell is a classic sign of allergen growth in the heat pump, and you should take it seriously. HVAC system have an environment that encourages the growth of microorganisms. If ignored, this can compromise your indoor air quality and lead to severe health problems.
To resolve this, schedule regular maintenance check-ups. Through maintenance, a technician can clean and get rid of bacteria and other contaminants. This way, you won’t have to worry about allergies and other respiratory problems in the future.
Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell
The sulfur smell from your heat pump isn’t normal. While this may not be dangerous, unlike in gas-burning furnaces, it should still get addressed. The unpleasant smell probably comes from a dead animal inside the HVAC system.
Animals may enter the system in search of warmth but die there. As a solution, your vents need inspections and cleaning. Contact your local HVAC contractor for duct cleaning.
Fishy Odor
Another odor that indicates a problem is a fishy smell. If you notice this smell, there are a couple of things that may be wrong.
One is that the motor is too hot or a plastic component is melting. The fishy odor could also mean there are wiring issues. Whatever the problem, you need to call a technician.
While most heat pump odors are not life-threatening, they can be problematic. If you notice an unpleasant odor from your HVAC system, don’t ignore it. For more information on heat pump repairs, contact our team at Melton Heating and Air Conditioning.
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