What to do if there is a bad smell coming from your vents

One of the frequent complaints that we get from business and homeowners when they call about air duct cleaning is that there is a bad odor coming from their vents. This can be extremely frustrating and sickening if it is not clear what is causing the odor or where exactly the smell is coming from. In many cases, the bad smell might not be originating from the vents but seeping through from the crawlspace or other areas in the home. Regardless, PNW ProClean is here as a resource to determine if dirty air ducts might be the root cause and ensure that our clients feel comfortable in their home.

Give us a call if you’d like to learn more about our air duct cleaning services and odor removal in the duct system: 503-332-5174

What are the potential sources of the bad odors coming from the vents in your home?

There are quite a few things that can get stuck or built up in the air duct system and lead to a bad smell. Especially in humid places like Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA, it is not uncommon to have mold growth building up on the walls of the duct system. Alternatively, food or organic matter falling into the vents and duct system can also lead to a rotting or moldy smell.

Especially in humid places like Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA, it is not uncommon to have mold growth building up on the walls of the duct system.

The worst source of a bad odor coming from the vent system is due to a dead animal and/or droppings. Rats and mice might get stuck in the duct system while nesting or looking for shelter, especially in the Winter and Spring months. The buildup of droppings due to a rat infestation overtime is not a pleasant smell. And most importantly, mice and rats can carry a variety of diseases. You do not want the air that gets blown throughout your home to have to pass over a dead rat or its droppings on the way to your lungs.

We can help you determine if the bad odor is coming from your duct system.

In order to determine how we should eliminate the bad odor, we need to know where and what is causing the smell in the first place. Because the duct system is not always completely sealed, bad odors can originate outside of the ducts but still seep through the vents and blow into your home.

Prior to duct cleaning service, we do a thorough inspection to ensure that there is nothing blocking the duct system or requiring a major repair. While we are not able to check within your walls and crawlspace for a dead animal, our air duct cleaning service will remove any mold growth, droppings, nests, rotting food, or dead animals from the duct system itself. During the process, we can also thoroughly sanitize the duct walls and perform minor sealing repairs.

If you do find droppings and/or a dead animal, you may need to do some exclusion work around the exterior of your home to prevent vermin from entering again.

In many cases, air duct cleaning is successful in removing the source of the bad smell. It’s not uncommon that we find a dead animal or rat droppings that need to be removed and cleaned.  If the bad smell lingers, you’ll at least know that the smell is coming from elsewhere and that your ducts are 100% clean going forward.

Some other recommendations to help in odor elimination

If there is still a bad odor coming from your vents even after an air duct cleaning, or you want to save money prior to calling a professional, then here are some other tips to aid in odor elimination:

1. Check your crawlspace for a dead animal, rat nest, or rat droppings: If the source is not in the duct system, it is mostly likely coming from your crawl space and seeping in through the vents into your home. If you do find droppings and/or a dead animal, you may need to do some exclusion work around the exterior of your home to prevent vermin from entering again.
2. Increase the ventilation in your home: It could be possible that you just need some better air circulation in your home. Turn on your fans and open your doors and windows at least once a day and see if that helps in odor removal.
3. Purchase an air filter and/or a dehumidifier: Portland, Oregon has a very wet, humid climate that can lead to mold growth. If you have an A/C system, make sure that it is working effectively. Otherwise, it might be beneficial to invest in an air filter or dehumidifier to prevent stagnant air and mold growth.
4. Check for leaks in your plumping and/or drainage systems: Make sure that aren’t any leaks with your plumbing that could be leading to standing water or drainage issues.