Contact a licensed HVAC technician immediately Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smell Sewage, rotten eggs, or strong sulphur It can indicate several issues: Gas leaks (natural gas companies add mercaptan to make leaks detectable by smell) Dead animals (rodents or insects trapped in ductwork and decomposing) Plumbing problems (dry P-traps allowing sewer gases to escape, or blocked sewer lines) Dense-urban living increases the risks Urgency level: Life-threatening if gas is involved If you suspect gas, turn off gas supply, evacuate immediately, call emergency services (995), and do not operate any electrical switches For suspected dead animals, turn off your AC and call pest control/HVAC technician For sewage odours, contact a plumber and HVAC technician Sweet or Chemical Smell Sweet, chemical odour similar to acetone, nail polish remover, or antifreeze It indicates refrigerant leaks Modern refrigerants can emit sweet, chemical-like odours when they escape from the system Older systems using R-22 refrigerant may produce a faint, sweetish smell Prolonged exposure to refrigerant vapours can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues Urgency level: High (affects both system efficiency and your health) Contact a professional HVAC technician to detect and repair the leak Vinegar or Sour Smell Sharp, acidic odour reminiscent of white vinegar or sour milk It indicates theres a bacterial buildup that produces acidic byproducts Unlike general musty odours, the vinegar smell points to bacterial colonies thriving in stagnant water within: Clogged condensate drain lines Overflowing drain pans Areas where moisture accumulates and cannot drain properly Our climate means drainage systems work overtime and could clog more often Urgency level: Moderate (can be addressed with targeted cleaning) Try flushing drain lines with white vinegar or a diluted bleach solution before calling professionals Sewage or Waste Smell Unmistakable bathroom/toilet odours that seem to come through your AC vents It indicates plumbing problems external to your AC system: Dry P-traps in unused floor drains or sinks allowing sewer gases to escape Blocked or leaking sewer lines in the building Backup in the sewage system affecting multiple units High-rise living with complex plumbing systems can mean problems in one unit affect others Urgency level: High (affects the health and means serious plumbing concerns) Call both a plumber to address the plumbing issue and an HVAC technician to clean any contamination in your AC system Cigarette Smoke Smell Stale tobacco, smoky odour that persists even when no one is smoking nearby Smoke particles accumulate in filters and stick to evaporator coils, being recirculated every time the AC runs Sources include: Previous smoking in the unit Smoke drawn from neighbouring apartments or outdoor areas Tar and nicotine buildup in the system components Dense housing means smoke from neighbouring units can be drawn into your air intake Urban air pollution can also contribute to filter contamination Urgency level: Low to Moderate (mainly an air quality concern) The solution: regular filter cleaning and maintaining evaporator coils Quick Reference Guide: How to Get Rid of Bad Smell Why AC Smells Affect Your Well-Being Respiratory Problems Dirty AC units become breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms including Legionella and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, plus various mould species
Health warnings on the products required by the FDA state the same thing
This Holts article offers a handy summary of your cigar cutter options
Decide which type of caulk to use There are a few different types of caulk to choose from: latex (acrylic and siliconized), silicone and polyurethane
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