5 Heat Pump Odors That Mean Trouble

Your heat pump is an incredibly important part of maintaining comfort in your home. At times, heat pumps emit strange odors. Some of these smells are more of a cause for concern. Look out for the following odors that could mean something serious is going on.

1. Odor of Chemicals

If you notice something coming from your heat pump that smells like chemicals, especially paint thinner or formaldehyde, you may have a refrigerant leak. When this happens it’s crucial that you shut off the pump right away and call an HVAC professional. They can tell you if it needs a heat pump repair or total replacement.

2. Musty Smell

It’s a big deal if you smell something musty or moldy coming from the heat pump. If you catch it early enough that there’s only some moisture buildup on the evaporator coils or ductwork, you can clean it up before it turns into a health risk. Mold growth is more serious and will require expert mold removal services.

3. Electrical Odor

An electrical smell in a heat pump means that you likely have overheating components, which could include the wiring, motor, or circuits. If you keep on using the heat pump this way, it is at risk for a fire. Bring in a professional to take a look and diagnose the issue.

4. Burning Odor

A burning smell coming from your heat pump can mean that it has too much debris or dust covering the heating elements. This can also occur when it has an air filter that is clogged and/or dirty. Get a filter replacement and monitor if you still notice the odor. A persistent burning smell after switching out the filter points to a larger problem that requires an expert inspection.

5. Fishy Smell

When the wiring is malfunctioning, you may smell something fishy coming from the heat pump system. Such an odor can mean that there is melting plastic or an overheating motor. Turn the pump off, and seek assistance from an HVAC specialist so you can stay safe and avoid costly replacement.

Some odors are normal and do not indicate any kind of heat pump issue, but there are several that require closer attention. Take quick action when you pick up on troublesome smells, especially if you notice any other signs of malfunction. Contact us today at Crocker Refrigeration, Heating & Air to explain what’s going on and to set up an appointment to check on your heat pump odor problems in your Santa Barbara, CA home.