Unfortunately, however, there are times when you may notice strange smells from your HVAC. Read on for the likely causes and how to deal with them.
Your HVAC system is a very important part of your building. It is responsible for creating a comfortable environment for both your employees and your customers or clients. When it is professionally installed and maintained, you should have years of use without even being able to tell it’s there. You should hear it too loudly or feel it (by means of the building temperature fluctuating uncomfortably) working. You also, definitely shouldn’t be able to smell it. Unfortunately, however, there are times when you may notice strange smells from your HVAC. Read on for the likely causes and how to deal with them.
Oil Or Exhaust
If you’re noticing an oily smell, like the exhaust of an engine, it likely means that there is a mechanical issue with your commercial HVAC system. Even well-maintained systems need upkeep as they age to help with parts that come loose or wear out. It is likely a leak of some sort, and a professional HVAC technician can help you figure it out.
Burning
If your HVAC system is functioning normally, but you notice a burning smell, there could be a variety of reasons. The most likely reason is a clogged filter, and this is easy to fix, by replacing the filter with new ones. If you are familiar with the process, you could likely do this yourself. If you have a maintenance contract, it’s wise to let a technician handle it. A second reason that you may be noticing a burning smell is that the unit is overheating. This will definitely require a professional to assess what is wrong with your system.
Sewage
If the smell that you’re noticing is a sewage smell, it is likely that your HVAC isn’t actually involved, except in so much as it moves large volumes of air around your building. The sewage smell is more than likely caused by faulty plumbing and you will need to have a professional plumber come out and diagnose the issue for you.
Sulfur
Sulfur is a smell that most people describe as a rotten egg smell. Similarly to a sewage smell, this is likely not caused by your HVAC system, it is simply a smell that is coming from somewhere in your building and being circulated by your HVAC system. Sulfur is usually a sign that there is a natural gas leak somewhere. It is very important that you have a professional, or your gas company, come out and check into this, as it can be a very dangerous problem.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals lower their operating expenses through HVAC preventive maintenance. We can develop a cost-effective, customized preventive maintenance plan for your commercial building that will provide you with peace of mind, improved comfort, and energy savings. Click Here to Request a Quote
To learn more about the importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or mford@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!