An unpleasant smell coming from your heat pump is usually a sign of trouble. Fortunately, these strange odors are often easy to correct. Here are a few of the most common heat pump odors and what they likely indicate in Suffolk, VA:
Mustiness
A musty smell generally points to a moisture issue within your system. Condensation may have allowed fungus to grow along the evaporator coil. There may also be a blockage inside the condensate line.
Burning Plastic
The unmistakable odor of something burning means there’s a problem with the system’s wiring or motor. If the system runs too hot, it can overheat and begin to melt the coating off its wires. Protect your family from an HVAC emergency by quickly powering down the system and scheduling repairs.
Sewer Odor
Heat pumps use electricity rather than natural gas, so you never have to worry about a gas leak. When you detect a sewage or rotten egg odor, there’s a chance an animal has made its way into your system. Local pests often seek shelter in HVAC systems during the colder months.
When your HVAC system pulls in air, it also pulls in odors from outside. Be sure to check around your heat pump for any signs of animal nests or debris that could be the cause of the foul smell.
Fishy Smell
A fishy odor is another potential sign of an electrical concern. Various mechanical issues, like a failing motor, unsafe wiring and more, can fill your home with a pungent fishiness. It’s best to immediately address heat pump issues when you notice them as they’ll only get worse over time without professional intervention.
It can be difficult to pinpoint what’s going wrong inside your system without expert HVAC help. Schedule your heat pump maintenance with our experienced service technicians at Weather Makers, Inc. today.
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