SYSTEM INSPECTION | WEIRD SMELL

Home owner called in saying one of the systems has a nasty smell whenever it kicks on. I did some investigating and found more than what I was expecting.

[@YoDawg-v6l]

I have a question for you. My Rheem 4 ton heat pump system is 5 years old and sometimes when i run heat it smells like spoiled milk but it doesn't do that all the time. I was told to get those charcoal filters which i have been using but again the smell comes back once in a while only when heater is running. I have had a few hvac techs come look at the system and they do not know the cause of this other than recommending that i use charcoal filters. What do you think?

[@XaviersHVAC_Content]

@@YoDawg-v6l did they present pictures of the interior of your ductwork and air handler? There could be some debris on your emergency Heat strips possibly..How does your return and supply plenums look? How does the blower wheel look? Are they dirty with a lot of biological growth? There could be a dead rodent. I’ve seen that before many times. Also check you ductwork for leaks Hope this helps

[@YoDawg-v6l]

@@XaviersHVAC_Content Never received any photos or video of the system. This house is all brand new built 5 years ago. The return air unit is super clean exterior and area its located in is super clean on the other side of the wall from my computer where i am replying from. I have not personally opened the return air unit but i can to check for those issues. My first thought would be mold due to the smell but the techs said they did not see any moisture or mold. We def do not have a rodent problem here thank the lord..lol

[@XaviersHVAC_Content]

@@YoDawg-v6l I wouldn’t open the air handler due to high voltage ⚡️ I would definitely have a tech check it out and present photos or videos if possible. Especially for the emergency heat strips. Sometimes they do give off a smell but that’s usually a burning smell that happens on new installs. Best of luck

[@YoDawg-v6l]

@@XaviersHVAC_Content Thank you i will make call to get another tech onsite