Keeping your family safe should always be a top priority, but what if you don’t know what types of dangers lurk within your own home? Sometimes good intentions are no match for unforeseen circumstances. Take the first step and educate yourself on any potential HVAC issues that may arise in your home. Below are 4 danger signs you should look out for.
Rotten Egg Smell
Did you walk into your home only to smell the stench of rotten eggs? Leave and call your gas company immediately. Natural gas furnaces are one of the most popular home heating choices due to their convenience, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. However, be aware of the dangers associated with a gas leak. Natural gas in itself is odourless, so the harmless yet poignant chemical mercaptan is added to the compound in order to warn home occupants that a gas leak has occurred. Gas leaks are dangerous because they can not only spark fires, but inhaling large amounts of natural gas can also reduce the oxygen levels in your body, causing dizzy spells, shortness of breath, and in serious cases, even death! Do not look for the source, simply GET OUT!
Electrical Overheating
Does your HVAC unit give off an electrical smelling odour as if something is overheating? It very well could be! If it is your first time turning on your furnace in a long time, this scent could just be built-up dust burning off. But if it does not dissipate after 30 minutes, it could signal something more serious. Turn off your unit if the smell continues, and first check your air filters for dust and debri. If your air filters are clear, your furnace or air conditioning motor may be damaged or burned out. If left unchecked, this can lead to a fire. Turn off your electricity on your master switch, and contact your trusty HVAC professional as soon as possible!
Musty Smell
If you start to smell a musty whiff of air near your air conditioning unit that isn’t going away, this is a sure sign that there is moisture somewhere nearby. The biggest issue is not the smell. Built-up condensation from the unit can migrate up into your air-ducts, creating mould. Prolonged mould exposure can lead to respiratory issues if not dealt with in a timely fashion. If you notice this warning sign, contact your HVAC service agent to perform a much-needed duct cleaning!
Leaks
Have you noticed a puddle of water pooling around your air-conditioning unit lately? This can happen as summer approaches. When the evaporator coil in your unit cools the warm air being blown over it, it creates moisture. This condensation drips into a pan and down a condensate drain pipe that leads to the outside. When this pipe is blocked up by sludge, mould, dust and debris, the water has nowhere to go, causing the water to back up. Taking care of this issue quickly is highly recommended to prevent water damage to your floor and foundation. This will also make sure mould does not begin to form.
Do not turn a blind eye to these warning signs! Keeping your family safe depends on your due diligence. If you smell rotten eggs, electrical overheating, must and mould, or see water leaking from your air-conditioning unit, seek help from HVAC and gas professionals who are trained to safely eliminate these issues.