If there’s a bad smell in your home, your instinct might be to mop the floors, vacuum the carpets, and thoroughly clean every surface. However, this smell may actually be coming from your ductwork.

Your ducts can harbor odors that are created by dust, mold growth, tobacco smoke, and more. Fortunately, we have five helpful tips for getting rid of air duct odor once and for all. Once you know how to deodorize your ductwork, you can devise a plan that works for you and your needs.

If you’re ready to get started, let’s discuss how to remove odor from air ducts.

Clean the Air Vent Slats

When discussing the top tips for getting rid of air duct odor, it’s best to start simple. First, consider cleaning your air vent slats.

All you have to do is remove the air vent cover with a screwdriver and vacuum between the slats. Various types of debris, including dust, can collect between these slats over time, resulting in a strange odor.

Replace the Air Filter

Do you replace your HVAC system’s air filter regularly? If not, you may have found the culprit behind the foul odors in your home. A dirty or clogged air filter can limit the airflow in your home. As a result, various types of debris and excess moisture can settle in your ductwork, resulting in unwanted mold growth. It’s best to clean your air filter every three months. Having a clean air filter can improve your home’s indoor air quality and enhance the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.

When learning how to remove odor from air ducts, it’s important to note that not every method will be effective. If you already replace your air filters on a routine basis or still notice musty odors after changing them, you may want to try a different method.

Bring Out the Baking Soda

If you’re still encountering unpleasant smells in your home, consider putting a bowl of baking powder in your air ducts. This is one of the most common DIY tips for getting rid of air duct odor. It’s important to let the bowl sit in your ductwork for at least 30 minutes.

While putting baking soda in air vents may seem strange, it can be rather effective at absorbing the particles that make up foul odors.

Clean Your Air Conditioner’s Evaporator Coil

Are you noticing musty odors in your home? Unfortunately, this smell is usually caused by mold growth. If you suspect this is the case, you’ll want to clean your air conditioning system’s evaporator coil.

This evaporator coil and the condenser coils play a critical part in the cooling process. Essentially, this component collects the heat from inside your home so that it can go through the heat exchange process. It’s important to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. If you don’t, the evaporator coil can become dirty, and mold can grow as a result.

One of the most common tips for getting rid of air duct odor is to clean the evaporator coil. However, you may want to schedule a professional AC service in McKinney, TX. An experienced HVAC technician will ensure that your evaporator coil is cleaned thoroughly and safely.

Schedule a Professional Duct Cleaning

When discussing how to remove odor from air ducts, it’s important to mention that not every smell in your home can be removed with the tips listed above. For instance, if you suspect the smell of a dead animal is coming from your ducts, get in touch with pest control. It’s vital to handle this specific situation with your safety in mind.

Additionally, if you notice the smell of rotten eggs, you’ll want to exit your home and call a professional for assistance right away. This sulfur-like smell usually indicates that there is a gas leak present.

If you’re still noticing a musty smell after using these tips for getting rid of air duct odor, give Adon Complete Air Conditioning & Heating a call. Our McKinney duct cleanings will help your family feel safe and comfortable — all while removing any strange lingering odors. Contact us to learn more about our services!