What’s That Smell? Heating System Odors

Let’s face it - strange heating system odors can put you in a foul mood, especially if you’re just trying to enjoy the comfort your heating system normally offers. They could also be the first sign that something’s gone wrong with your heating equipment.Any one of the heating system odors mentioned below can spell trouble for your heating system if left unchecked. Here’s a quick guide on these odors, including what causes them and how to take care of them for good:

Dirty socks

Bacteria buildup on the evaporator coils can cause unpleasant odors that are sometimes it can to dirty socks. Cleaning the coils and other parts of your HVAC system can help take care of this problem.

Ozone or metallic odors

Burnt electrical wiring or overheating components can give off a variety of metallic and ozone-like odors. You should have your HVAC technician seek out the culprit before using your furnace again.

Dusty or musty odors

If you haven’t used your furnace in a while, then chances are you’ll end up burning off some of the dust and debris that has collected on your furnace during its dormancy. This is quite normal, unless you have a dirty air filter that needs changing.

Burning oil

Spilled oil, fuel line leaks and improper ignition can cause your basement or storage area to smell like heating oil. If the odor doesn’t go away within a day or so, then you should have your HVAC technician check out your furnace.

Rotten eggs

If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur, then you’re likely dealing with a natural gas leak. The additives in natural gas are designed to give off this noxious odor, alerting you to its presence. Shut off your heating system, exit your home and call your local gas company to tackle the leak.

If your nose is clueing you in to strange heating system odors, then it’s probably time to have an HVAC technician take a close look at your system. To schedule an appointment in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about your heating system and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Troubleshooting Steps to Follow When Dealing With Frozen Evaporator Coils

Troubleshooting frozen evaporator coils may suggest several causes for the symptom, but the actual cure usually requires the services of a professional HVAC technician. The evaporator coil sealed inside the indoor air handler removes heat from the air and transfers it to the flow of refrigerant circulating through the coil.

While the refrigerant flow is cold—around 40 degrees—it should always remain above freezing. If the refrigerant drops below 32 degrees, condensation produced by the cooling process freezes on the coil surfaces instead of draining away. As the ice formation expands, airflow through the coil is increasingly obstructed, the system begins running non-stop instead of cycling on and off, and severe A/C component damage may result.Here are some potential causes to aid in troubleshooting frozen evaporator coils:

Insufficient Airflow

Air volume through the coil affects the amount of heat energy absorbed by refrigerant. When the airflow is low, heat transfer is diminished and the refrigerant temperature may drift into the freezing range. The most common cause of low airflow is a dirty or clogged air filter. Try replacing the air filter and see if coil freezing problems resolve. If not, contact your HVAC contractor about professional service.

Lack of Refrigerant

Another reason refrigerant may drop below freezing is because there’s not enough of it in the system. A low refrigerant charge is almost always the result of a leak somewhere, and it can't be adequately resolved by simply adding more refrigerant. A qualified HVAC technician can use leak detection methods to pinpoint the leakage and make a permanent fix.

Dirt or Dust Accumulation

Continuously exposed to system airflow, an evaporator coil often becomes coated with airborne dust or dirt. This residue on coil surfaces inhibits heat transfer into the refrigerant and triggers sub-freezing temperatures. Ice forms as condensation freezes. The sealed evaporator coil is not accessible for DIY cleaning. However, coil inspection and cleaning are a standard part of an annual A/C preventive maintenance service provided by your HVAC contractor.

For more about troubleshooting frozen evaporator coils, as well as professional service to resolve the cause, contact Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Raywoo/Shutterstock”

Get Air Conditioning Maintenance Now Before The Heat Hits

As temperatures begin to rise in the Tulsa Metropolian region, it’s important to ensure your air conditioning system can take the heat. The benefits of professional maintenance never shine as brightly as during the dog days of summer. When the heat turns up, the last thing you should worry about is your air conditioner. Regular maintenance can ensure your air conditioning system runs at peak performance all season, keeping you cool and comfortable and saving a bundle in the process.Professional maintenance not only keeps you comfortable, but assures you peace of mind. A trained technician can keep your A/C unit functioning efficiently, and inform you of any issues before they evolve into expensive repairs. Preventive air conditioning care can:

• Tune up your electric connections, measuring for the proper levels of voltage and electric current on the motor. A malfunctioning connection can compromise the integrity and performance of your system.

• Ensure refrigerant is at appropriate levels. Too little refrigerant and the evaporator coils could ice up, or in severe cases, prevent the cooling coil from cooling. High refrigerant levels could harm the compressor. Adding or removing air conditioner refrigerant can be dangerous due in part to the high pressure involved, and is best done by trained professionals.

• Clean your unit’s evaporator and condenser coils, ensuring it runs efficiently for the appropriate amount of time.

• Clean or replace your filters. Air filters should be checked frequently to ensure they’re not clogged, which impedes airflow. Restricted airflow can imbalance your system, affecting its performance and lifespan.

Enrolling in a planned maintenance program takes care of all this and more, ensuring your system functions smoothly and efficiently all year round. Automatic renewal systems mean you won’t have to worry about lapses in coverage, which could affect the warranties and possible repair costs on your equipment.If you have questions about how a regular maintenance plan could preserve your air conditioning system, your comfort and your wallet, call Air Assurance. We’re proud to keep homeowners in the Tulsa Metropolitan region comfortable year-round!Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.