Don’t Ignore These Heat Pump Odors in Gainesville, FL

Since heat pumps ought to work without putting out any scents, any bizarre smell emerging from them should immediately awaken your suspicions. More often than not, if the heat pump in your home in Gainesville, FL exudes any kind of odor, the system itself may be in trouble. Here are some worrisome heat pump odors that it would be unwise to ignore.

Ether or Chlorine

This smell is a clear indicator of a refrigerant leak. If, upon encountering this odor, you still harbor doubts that your heat pump is leaking refrigerant, listen for any hissing or bubbling sounds to get further confirmation.

Once you’re sure that your heat pump is leaking refrigerant, call on our HVAC technicians to stop the leak. Refrigerant is toxic, so you should trust in their expertise to resolve this problem. Do not attempt to refill your system on your own.

Burning

Most heat pumps run on electricity, which is why any burning odors should present strong occasions for concern. If you smell something burning, this usually means that some of your heat pump’s electrical wires are not functioning as they should and may trigger an electric fire. Such fires may damage various things, but the awful smell of burning or melting plastic is especially common here.

Note, however, that this might not be true if you haven’t used your heat pump in a while. It’s common for a slight burning smell to manifest when you first turn on your heat pump for the season, whether you’re cooling or heating. If it doesn’t go away relatively quickly, though, that’s a sign of an issue that needs repair.

Stale, Musty Odors

If the air in your home smells stale and musty, you could have an issue with organic growth somewhere in your home. This can be caused by a variety of issues, but one of the most common of these issues is excessive humidity levels. Adding a whole-home dehumidifier is a terrific way to deal with excessive humidity indoors

Put simply, your nose knows when your heat pump is in distress. Don’t disregard any strange smells you find in your Gainesville, FL home. Call Browning Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC and request heat pump services today.

Image provided by iStock

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