As a homeowner in St. Louis, you rely on your HVAC system to stay comfortable year-round.
But what happens when your heating or cooling system starts emitting unusual odors? At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we understand that strange smells from your HVAC can be concerning.
In this article, we’ll explore common HVAC odors, what they might mean, and when it’s time to call in the professionals.
The technician Giovanni was excellent and on time very professional and efficient and knowledgeable of the project at hand ,gave great advice but most of all did great work 👏 thank you .
Your service technician was very professional and knowledgeable. And did not appear to try to give me bogus information. I truly appreciate his honesty because several other companies did not appear to be honest, obviously wasn’t honest, my gut feeling told me they were not honest and tried to get me to spend $10,000 for a problem that was much simpler to fix. I look forward to you servicing all my properties, and possibly those of the rest of my family.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind words and great review! We appreciate your support.
Very prompt, communication was great, and the workers were very polite. I highly recommend them!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Lianne! We're glad to hear that you had a positive experience with our team and appreciate your high recommendation.
Water heater repaired, appointment done the same day, effective, courteous
Response from the owner:Thank you, Leticia! We appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear that the water heater was repaired promptly and effectively. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Hank, for your wonderful feedback; we're glad you enjoyed the fast, friendly, and professional service, and we'll be sure to keep up the great work!
The service tech Giovanni did a fantastic job. Our gas fireplace is working like new again so we’re ready for the cold weather!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mr, for your fantastic review! We're glad to hear Giovanni provided you with excellent service and professionalism. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If I could give 10 stars, I absolutely would.
Last night our furnace went out unexpectedly, and with three kids in the house, the temperature dropped fast. Giovanni went above and beyond in every way possible. Instead of charging me a late-night service fee, he simply asked, “Are you decently handy?” and offered to walk me through some troubleshooting steps to get our heat back on so my children wouldn’t have to sleep in the cold.
Not only did he guide me through the process, he even FaceTimed me and showed me exactly what to take apart, how to put it back together, and what signals to watch for. It felt like having a real technician standing right next to me the entire time. Thanks to him, our heat was restored within minutes.
In a world where true customer service is hard to come by, Giovanni is a rare find. It is a guaranteed fact that any future repairs, maintenance, and the new heater/AC system we’ll be needing this coming summer/fall will absolutely be done through him. His honesty, kindness, and expertise have earned our business for life.
Highly, highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear Giovanni was able to help you and your family during that tough situation. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we appreciate your trust in our services for the future!
My neighbor referred these guys to me when had water heater problem. Previous company told me I needed to replace it. Tom’s technician fixed it for less than $200. This was over 2 years ago and have been using their service ever since. They are very trustworthy.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mary, for sharing your experience and for trusting us with your water heater issue; we're glad our technician could help and that you've continued to rely on our services!
I called this company earlier today because I was having a bunch of issues with my HVAC system. They were incredibly friendly and walked me through troubleshooting step by step over the phone. They didn’t even charge me for the call. Thanks to their honest advice, I was able to get things running smoothly again. Really grateful for their help and would definitely recommend them if you want straightforward and trustworthy service. Five stars all the way!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the glowing review, Hector! We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in the future.
Nick did not set current time. — Monday Hoffmans Zach came to fix correct time. We DID NOT want a timed thermostat — we prefer to set temperatures manually
Response from the owner:Thank you, Pat, for your kind words about Giovanni; we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that he made a positive impression.
Clear communication about arrival, service and costs.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Margaret, for your kind words! We appreciate your feedback on our clear communication and are glad you had a positive experience.
I will highly recommend this business for your air and heater repair. Prompt, knowledgeable and courteous service.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Judy, for your kind words and recommendation! We're glad to hear you were pleased with our prompt and courteous service.
Thomas Hoffman was very responsive to our after hours inquiry, even walked us through some trouble shooting over the phone. We provided pictures of the unit and they were able to quickly buy, schedule and install the part to keep our family warm!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ali! We're glad to hear that Thomas was responsive and helpful in getting everything sorted out for you and your family. Your feedback means a lot to us!
Nick came by, identified the problem quickly and had it fixed. Great service!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ted! We're glad to hear that Nick provided you with quick and effective service. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
Great service. Responsive. Well trained technicians. Honest friendly and thorough. I highly recommend Tom Hoffmann and his team.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your recommendation and are delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team.
Ryan Taylor with Thomas Hoffman did an outstanding job in servicing our unit & explaining everything to me, especially how our humidifier worked, since we were new home owners & had not had one before. Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you! We're glad to hear that Ryan and Thomas provided you with excellent service and helped you understand your new humidifier. We appreciate your feedback!
As always, the Hoffmann technician Zach was polite, professional, and efficient. Pricing is reasonable and even more importantly, they are dependable. I will continue to use Thomas Hoffman A/C and Heating.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mark, for your kind words about our technician and for your continued trust in Thomas Hoffman A/C and Heating; we truly appreciate your support!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Brandon! We appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear about your positive experience with Hoffmann’s professionalism and thoroughness.
Our service technician arrived right on time and was professional, friendly, efficient and courteous. We couldn’t ask for more.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience with our service technician! We appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear that you were satisfied with the service provided.
I'm a new customer and had my first appointment for furnace check.My tech was Zack and what a professional. He explained how he checked system and answered all my questions. This was a very good experience
Response from the owner:Thank you, Patricia, for your kind words! We're glad to hear that Zack provided you with a professional and informative experience during your furnace check. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
Thomas Hoffman is a wonderful company to work with. Techs are knowledgeable, personable & efficient.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Christine, for your kind words about our team; we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear you had a positive experience!
I called on December 25th at midnight and started leaving a message and Thomas Hoffman the owner called me back almost immediately. He said he would come out the next morning between 8:00 and 10:00 am snd he was promptly on time. He fixed my problem and while he was there I decided to get an estimate for a new furnace and air conditioning unit. The price was very reasonable and the installers one of them being his son were both very professional very courteous, polite, arrived on time and finished the same day. I enjoy knowing that I now have the support of Thomas Hoffman heating and air conditioning along with the peace of mind that comes with owning a Trane. Nothing stops a Trane.
Albert Koesterer
Response from the owner:Albert thanks so much for your kind reviews and your business. We truly appreciate it!!!
The Thomas Hoffmann team did a great job taking care of our semi annual HVAC maintenance. They not only worked with us to schedule the visit, but also did an excellent job sending us reminders on when they would be out.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the great review, Bob! We appreciate your support and are happy to hear you had a great experience!
Nick was excellent. Super profession, quick, and up front with the pricing (which was fair). Hopefully we don't need to call anyone to fix our AC again, but if we do - I'm calling Nick!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Layton, for your amazing review! We really appreciate your support and hope to be your first call for any future repairs!
Musty or Moldy Smell
If you notice a musty or moldy odor when your air conditioner runs, it could indicate the presence of mold or mildew in your system. St. Louis’s humid summers create an ideal environment for mold growth, especially in air conditioning units. This smell often results from:
Clogged condensate drain lines
Excess moisture in the evaporator coil
Dirty air filters
Not only is this smell unpleasant, but it can also pose health risks, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues. Regular maintenance, including changing air filters and cleaning drain lines, can help prevent mold growth.
Burning or Electrical Smell
A burning odor from your HVAC system should never be ignored. This smell could indicate:
Overheating motor
Frayed wires
Burning plastic components
If you detect a burning smell, turn off your system immediately and call a professional HVAC technician. Continuing to run the system could lead to further damage or even pose a fire hazard.
Rotten Egg Smell
A rotten egg smell is often associated with a natural gas leak. While natural gas is odorless, utility companies add a sulfur-like scent to help detect leaks. If you smell this:
Turn off your HVAC system
Open windows for ventilation
Leave your home immediately
Contact your gas company or emergency services
Never ignore a potential gas leak, as it can be extremely dangerous.
Dirty Sock Syndrome
Yes, it’s an actual term in the HVAC industry! If your air conditioner emits an odor similar to dirty socks, it’s likely due to bacteria growing on the evaporator coil. This smell is particularly common in St. Louis during spring and fall when the AC runs less frequently. A professional cleaning of your evaporator coil can usually resolve this issue.
Chemical or Sweet Smell
A sweet, chemical odor could indicate a refrigerant leak in your air conditioning system. Refrigerant is crucial for your AC’s cooling process, and a leak can lead to:
Reduced cooling efficiency
Higher energy bills
Potential health hazards
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, immediately turn off your AC and contact a certified HVAC technician.
Dusty or Burning Smell When Heat Turns On
It’s common to notice a dusty or slightly burning smell when you first turn on your furnace after months of disuse. This is typically due to dust accumulation on heating elements and should dissipate quickly. However, if the smell persists or becomes stronger, it could indicate:
A clogged air filter
Debris in the ducts
An overheating component
A professional should check your system if the smell doesn’t go away after a day or two.
Gunpowder Smell
An odor similar to gunpowder often indicates an electrical problem, such as a failing fan motor or circuit board. This smell requires immediate attention from a qualified HVAC technician to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards.
Prevention and Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance is key to preventing many of these odor issues. At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we recommend:
Changing air filters regularly
Scheduling annual professional maintenance
Keeping your outdoor unit clean and free of debris
Addressing any unusual smells promptly
By staying proactive with your HVAC care, you can ensure a comfortable, odor-free home environment throughout St. Louis’s seasons.
When to Call the Professionals
While some minor odors may resolve independently, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you’re experiencing persistent or concerning smells from your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating. Our experienced technicians can diagnose and resolve your HVAC odor issues quickly and efficiently, ensuring your home stays comfortable and safe all year.
Call Now
Remember, a well-maintained HVAC system smells better and operates more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and preventing costly repairs. Trust your nose – if something doesn’t smell right, it’s time to give us a call!
