Why does my commercial HVAC system smell?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Does the HVAC system in your building put out a strange odor that you can’t quite put your finger on?

It happens more often than you think, and even if its minor, it can lead to a constant string of complaints from your tenants.

Why does this happen to commercial HVAC systems? There are a handful of reasons.

If your HVAC system has started circulating a rotting smell, then you might have a biological issue on your hands. Animals can easily find themselves trapped inside your ductwork, and if they pass away, that odor will be circulated throughout your entire building.

An odor closer to rotting eggs, however, might be indicative of a gas leak, which is deadly serious. In either case, you should call a professional immediately.

A musty, “mildew” smell, meanwhile, might indicate the presence of moisture or microbial growth. If that’s what you’re getting, then we’d suggest a thorough cleaning of your HVAC system (which our technicians would be more than happy to provide).

Burning rubber or plastic, on the other hand, indicate an electrical issue. You may have an issue with wiring, with the motors inside the system itself, or some other component of your system. You’ll want to contact a qualified HVAC technician immediately if that’s what you’re smelling.