Are There Funky Smells Coming from Your Heat Pump?

The hot and humid summers and moderate winters in Bonita Springs, FL make heat pumps an excellent choice for maintaining indoor comfort all year long. If you suddenly notice a funky smell coming from your heat pump, you might feel concerned. Let’s take a look at some of the odors that might come from your heat pump, what causes the smells and when the odors necessitate heat pump repairs.

Burning Odors

A burning odor coming from your heat pump is sometimes a cause for alarm. If you haven’t used the heat pump in a month or two, the burning smell could come from dust burning off the electric heat strips or the blower. A dirty air filter could also cause a burning odor. An electrical burning smell or the odor of burning plastic is an imminent problem that requires urgent heat pump repairs.

Musty Scents

Musty scents are common in Florida heat pumps. They usually result from stagnant water or moisture buildup in the heat pump’s drain pan or condensate line. Routine heat pump maintenance to clean these parts and remove bacterial and algal growth should get rid of the smell. A musty scent could also develop if an animal has gotten inside of the heat pump or your home’s ductwork. An inspection performed by a qualified HVAC technician can determine the cause of these funky odors.

Chemical Smells

Heat pumps are powered by electricity. If you notice a chemical smell like burning plastic or metal, the heat pump’s wiring may be overheating. A chemical smell could also result from a refrigerant leak, explains the Department of Energy. If the refrigerant leaks from the evaporator coil, you may notice a sweet or formaldehyde type of smell. Leaking refrigerant lines may also make a hissing sound.

For more information about unusual odors coming from your heat pump, take a look at Nixon Air Conditioning’s reliable heat pump repairs, or reach out to our qualified HVAC technicians today.