Nose Knows Best: Identifying Troublesome Heating Smells in Virginia Beach, VA

Written by rivaldigital on November 27, 2023. Posted in Heating, Maintenance, Tips. No Comments on Nose Knows Best: Identifying Troublesome Heating Smells in Virginia Beach, VA

Problematic Heating Smells

In Virginia Beach, the scent of our homes becomes a note of comfort in the brisk fall air. But what if that comfort is disrupted by an unexpected odor emanating from your heating system? It’s not just a matter of unpleasantness, as certain smells can be harbingers of underlying issues.

Join Galactic Air Heating & Cooling as we guide you through identifying problematic heating smells that could indicate the need for a professional touch.

A Preemptive Approach to Heater Health

A peculiar smell from your heater often serves as an early alert to potential problems. Unusual odors can indicate the need for heating repair in Virginia Beach, VA. Quick recognition and response, with the help of Galactic Air, not only clears the air but also ensures your heating system’s longevity and safety.

Decoding Problematic Heating Smells

A well-functioning heating system should circulate warmth without any noticeable odors. However, when the air carries a hint of something foul or strange, it’s time to be vigilant. Here are five common problematic heating smells and what they might mean:

Burning Dust Smell

Musty or Moldy Odors

Electrical or Metallic Smells

Rotten Egg Smell

Smoky or Oily Odors

Burning Dust Smell

When you first activate your heating system, a burning dust smell is typical, especially after a period of disuse.

This usually indicates that dust has settled on the heat exchanger over the warmer months. If this smell does not dissipate quickly, it could suggest a need for heating repair in Virginia Beach, VA, as accumulated debris can force your system to work harder and decrease efficiency. Regular maintenance checks can prevent this issue.

Musty or Moldy Odors

A persistent musty or moldy scent when your heater is running can signal the presence of mold within your ductwork or on the heating system itself, requiring immediate attention for both health and operational efficiency. Scheduling a heater maintenance check can identify and remedy these concerns, improving the air quality in your Virginia Beach home.

Electrical or Metallic Smells

An electrical or metallic odor emanating from your heating system is a telltale sign that should never be ignored. It often indicates worn components or a potential electrical malfunction, which could lead to system damage or even pose fire risks.

Promptly contacting Galactic Air for heating repair in Virginia Beach, VA, can ensure potential electrical issues are professionally addressed.

Rotten Egg Smell

The distinct smell of rotten eggs is a serious red flag and typically points to a natural gas leak. For safety, it’s crucial to turn off your heating system immediately and contact Galactic Air.

Our experienced technicians are trained to handle such emergency heating repairs in Virginia Beach, VA, with the urgency and precision required for the safety of your household.

Smoky or Oily Odors

These smells can often arise from oil furnaces and may indicate a need for cleaning or repair. If you’re detecting smoky or oily odors from your heater, it could signify incomplete combustion or an oil leak. Heating repair can diagnose and resolve these issues, ensuring your system is running cleanly and effectively.

Contact Galactic Air for Trusted Heater Solutions

Don’t let odd smells linger in your Virginia Beach home. At the first whiff of trouble, reach out to Galactic Air. We’re equipped to diagnose and resolve any heating issues, ensuring your home remains a sanctuary of warmth and safety. Contact us today to schedule a check-up and breathe easy all winter long.

Is Your Heater Ready For Winter?

Written by rivaldigital on October 30, 2023. Posted in Heating. No Comments on Is Your Heater Ready For Winter?

There are plenty of activities to do during winter in Virginia Beach, VA. Some are more fun, like whale watching, while others are more serious, like prepping your heater for winter. Once the temperatures drop in Virginia Beach, you can only be comfortable with an efficient, functional heating unit. Our team at Galactic Air is here to help you get your system winter-ready.

In this article, we will discuss why you should prepare your heater for winter and tips to prepare your system for the cold season.

Why Prepare Your Heater For Winter?

Heating systems function best with frequent heating maintenance. Prepping your heater for the cold season can boost the performance of your system and lower your monthly energy bills. There will also be less risk of your system fizzling out in the middle of a freezing winter night. When you call Galactic Air for heating maintenance in Virginia Beach, VA, our expert technicians will perform various tasks to ensure your heating system is well-prepared for the workload the winter temperatures bring.

Tips To Prepare Your Heater for Winter

We provide tips on how you can prime your heater for winter:

Schedule Fall Maintenance
Change The Air Filter
Clear Debris

Schedule Fall Maintenance

Think of heating maintenance as an important investment that will benefit you for a long time to come. It’s not unusual for components to get loose. Some parts may also start to wear out. In both cases, your system’s efficiency and performance can begin to decline.

During heating maintenance, our technicians test the components, one at a time, searching for signs of malfunctioning parts. Our careful inspection allows us to detect and resolve your heating unit troubles before they cause an untimely breakdown that could leave you freezing in the cold weather. Moreover, small repairs will also save you money.

It’s less expensive to address minor problems than extensive system breakdowns. Routine maintenance also extends the lifespan of your heating system. Since preventative maintenance counters wear and tear, you can get the most out of your system.

Change The Air Filter

When your filter is clogged due to the buildup of air pollutants, it can slowly start to restrict airflow through your heating unit. This decreases the efficiency of your system, leading to higher energy bills. Thus, it’s vital to replace your air filter.

On average, you should change your air filter once every 3 months. Filters are designed to trap mold, dust, dirt, pet dander, and other air pollutants. By catching these contaminants, the new filter will improve indoor air quality, making breathing easier. Replacing your filter further ensures your heating system runs at its best all through winter.

Clear Debris

Grass, twigs, leaves, pollen, dirt, and other debris can find their way around or on your external heating system. Debris can cause mold and add unwanted moisture. It can also get inside your heating unit and affect the heat exchanger, resulting in a drop in efficiency.

We recommend clearing the debris from the sides and top of the system. Ideally, there should be about 2 to 3 feet of cleared space around it. Removing debris before winter can protect your system and help it weather the cold, windy season.

Trusted Heating Maintenance Services With Galactic Air!

At Galactic Air, we offer the finest heating maintenance in Virginia Beach, VA, to keep you and your family safe, warm, and comfortable all winter. Schedule your heating maintenance today with our professionals!