Smokey Disasters
One of the most overlooked problems for AC systems is indoor smoking.
Your AC quickly absorbs any smoke from cigarettes and heavy cooking. Before you know it, your AC is pumping and distributing smoke-laden air throughout the home.
Smoking and grilling outside is one way to prevent this issue. However, it doesn't always fix itself.
The smoke has already pushed itself through the AC's evaporator coils, which means they need to be fully cleaned and sanitized to eliminate the odor completely.
These smells can cause respiratory problems, but also headaches, fatigue, and nausea long after the smoke is gone.
Your AC's evaporator coils will also need a thorough cleaning if they're clogged with dust, dirt, pet hair, grime, and other debris.
Sewage Smells
Is that sewage you smell? How could an AC system smell like sewage?
It's not uncommon for your HVAC to omit a nauseating sewage smell. This happens to Portland homeowners with HVAC units close to sewer lines.
That icky sewage odor you smell is actually methane gas, which is a dangerous indoor pollutant. This means your sewer line is clogged or worse.
Instead of an AC replacement, a 1-800-Plumber +Air of Portland pro will likely unclog, repair, or replace the sewer line as needed. However, an inspection will reveal the full scope of the problem and solution.
Smelly Drain Line Blockages
Your central air conditioning system is central to humidity control, but where does all the leftover water go?
That's a great question and a possible reason behind your smelly AC system.
Once all that humidity is sucked from indoors, your central AC system pushes the water down a drainage line. However, these pipes get clogged just like indoor plumbing pipes. If you smell a musty odor, your drainage line is likely clogged.
It's easy to overlook this problem, but AC drainage blockages also cause indoor air pollution. If stale water sits in your HVAC for too long, the musty odor will seep through your air ducts, prompting a thorough cleaning, as well.
Moisture buildup also negatively impacts your AC system's performance. Buildup causes your HVAC to work harder to cool and distribute air, which is a recipe for high utility bills.
More Smelly Signs to Watch
Does your home smell like rotten eggs? This smell is an unbearable odor. The AC system isn't the first thing that comes to homeowners' minds, but it's a surprising cause.
After checking your refrigerator, garbage, and sewer line, check your HVAC unit for dead animals. Yes, unfortunately, critters and other pests can crawl into your system, leaving pungent carcass smells in their wake.
This is a difficult smell to eliminate on your own, but 1-800-Plumber +Air of Portland can help. Not only do you need to remove the dead animal, but your HVAC will need to be cleaned and sanitized to reduce any health risks.
This is a problem for Portland homeowners who live in more wooded areas with surrounding animals.
Another disconcerting smell is a firecracker-like odor. This smell could indicate a few problems, but it could be an issue with your AC's circuit panel. That firecracker odor may be the panel shorting out.
Motor leaks are another problem. These leaks smell like exhaust fumes even if your HVAC unit doesn't run on gas. This smell may indicate overheating or faulty wiring.
If it's faulty wiring, that's another reason to go with professionals trained in HVAC wiring. HVAC wiring is different to the other electrical wiring in your home. A general electrician may overlook critical issues that affect your AC's performance.
Call 1-800-Plumber +Air of Portland right away to avoid further damage to your AC's internal parts.
Replacing Your Central Air Conditioning System
You know what an AC replacement looks AND smells like. Your next step is to install a new AC before your indoor air quality worsens.
Central air installation is not a DIY project. Unless you're a trained HVAC professional, you'll increase indoor air pollution, high energy bills, mold, and more. Furthermore, you need a system that accommodates your needs.
HVAC professionals calculate heat and cooling loads to gauge the right size AC for your home. A large three-story home has a larger cooling load than a small one-story house.
Furthermore, they can recommend the most energy-efficient AC for your home. Installing a wrong, or even outdated, AC will cost your more down the line in repairs and replacements.
The Benefits of Local HVAC Contractors
How well does your HVAC contractor know your area?
This point may not seem as consequential on the surface, but it's quite important.
Your local weather also determines your heating and cooling load calculation; otherwise, you may end up with an HVAC system that can't handle Portland's dry summers and wet winters.
Does an HVAC company specialize in several services?
Remember the problem with indoor smoke and sewage? Your HVAC issues could be connected to a range of problems.
Offering several services helps HVAC professionals diagnose and treat AC problems. You'll receive a full-service experience, rather than using multiple companies to fix the problem.
There's nothing worse than having an HVAC hazard when no one is picking up the phone. AC damages can be serious, and you may need to call a professional 4:00AM.
1-800-Plumber +Air of Portland is available 24-hours a day to assist Portland homeowners with AC questions, repairs, and installation. You can also expect timely appointments, great warranties, up-to-the-minute communication, and exceptional sanitary standards.
Enjoy Professional Installation and Results
Don't live with the signs of a dying central air conditioning system.
Learn the signs, and take action to avoid indoor pollution risks. 1-800-Plumber +Air of Portland is standing by, waiting to help Portland homeowners.
We're available 24/7 for the following Portland zip codes:
97005, 97008, 97207, 97219, 97221, 97222, 97223, 97224, 97225, 97240, 97280, 97286, 97293, 97296, 97006, 97007, 97123, 97124, 97201, 97202, 97204, 97205, 97206, 97207, 97208, 97209, 97210, 97214, 97215, 97227, 97229, 97232, 97239, 97242, 97282, 97293, 97296, 97203, 97211, 97212, 97213, 97216, 97217, 97218, 97220, 97266, 97283, 97290, 97294, 97015, 97030, 97034, 97035, 97086, 97230, 97233, 97236, 97267
