Air ducts are a great addition to a building because they help with internal temperature control and can help keep the place fresh. However, sometimes an odor will appear from the air duct, and you won’t know the cause. Read on to discover the reasons behind the most common odors from air ducts.

Mold or Musty Smell

The most common smell that people notice from their air ducts is a moldy stench. This scent likely means that your ducts have mold or mildew in your ac air system. This growth can cause a whole host of issues over time, as mold makes many people sick. Get a certified professional air duct cleaning to clear everything up.

Burning Gas

It’s not unusual for people to smell a bit of burning gas when starting up their system for the first time in a while, especially the heating. It likely stems from the dust on the system burning up, which creates a smell but is otherwise harmless. However, if the smell persists, it can indicate a greater problem.

Rotten Eggs

If you smell rotten eggs when your system is running, you should open your windows and get everyone out of the house as quickly as possible. A rotten egg smell means you may have a natural gas leak in your system. This issue is extremely dangerous; call the authorities once you’re out of danger.

Oil Smell

If you smell oil in your ducts, there may be a leak somewhere in the system. This problem isn’t dangerous, but you’ll want to contact a technician who can find and repair the leak. This opening can create more issues for your HVAC system if you fail to address it.

These examples are some of the most common smells that can come from air ducts and what they might mean. Any odd or out-of-place odors in your air ducts likely indicate that there’s an issue worth looking into. While it might be nothing, such as dust burning off, these smells can signify severe problems. Be aware of the odors in your home to keep your HVAC system in working condition and your family safe.