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What Causes Common Household Smells?

Odd smells popping up around the house happens more often than any of us...
a small rodent on a table

Odd smells popping up around the house happens more often than any of us care to admit. As a homeowner, you’ll find yourself wandering around your home, trying to discover the source of the smell for hours on end.

Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been in your house for quite a while, the unwanted odor can be a cause for concern. Let’s look at a few common household smells and what causes them to make everyone’s life easier.

Is that smell coming from my air conditioning unit?

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Unfortunately, your air conditioner may be the culprit when it comes to unwanted odors around the house. If you use an HVAC system to keep your home properly heated and cooled, you may find yourself faced with smells quite often. When it comes to these units, the list of causes can be quite extensive. Old air filters, mold inside your unit, and even rodents in your ductwork can cause an intense stench you may find yourself unable to deal with.

One of the most common odors to experience from your HVAC system is a burning odor from your AC. When you experience these issues, it’s time to call in a professional HVAC technician to help you pinpoint the source of the smell and quickly get your problem fixed. A professional HVAC team will take the time needed to check your wiring, ducts, blower motor, and other parts of your heating and cooling system to ensure everything is working properly and remove any unwanted guests who may have found their way inside.

Parasites and other pests may be the cause of a smell.

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Keeping the inside of your home free of unwanted pests is a constant chore all homeowners find themselves tasked with. Bugs, spiders, and even fleas can find their ways inside your house and wreak havoc on your family and even leave behind their own smells.

Parasites can settle into your carpet or baseboards and leave you wondering where their unwanted odor is coming from. Luckily, proper treatments to rid your home of these types of infestations and a great disinfecting will help you eliminate any unwanted odors bugs may leave behind.

The smell in your home may be the result of a dead animal.

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All animals have a way of getting themselves into areas where they shouldn’t be. Have you been sitting on your front porch and noticed an opossum scurry by? Do raccoons like to spend time under your house or perhaps in your attic? It happens to everyone. These little critters are often the culprits when unbearable odors pop up around the home, and you can’t pinpoint the source. It isn’t uncommon for an animal to find a point of entry but cannot get back out. When this happens, your home is left with an animal carcass and the foul odor they leave in their wake.

When you have a dead animal hidden in your house, finding the location can be next to impossible. Luckily, some people will assist you with dead animal removal. Professional exterminators and, in some cases, your HVAC technician have a better understanding of where these animals like to hide. They have the proper equipment for reaching them both quickly and safely. Yes, you may find yourself facing a lingering smell in your home, but having the animal carcass removed is the first step in reclaiming your domain and ridding yourself of the bad smell you’ve been living with.

If you find yourself facing a household smell, you simply can’t stomach, don’t panic. The stench may not be easy to bear, but in most cases, they are removable. Take the time to pinpoint the odor, then determine who is best suited to help you. It won’t be long before you’re able to reclaim your home and breathe freely again.

Originally from Paraguay, Naomi is a Boston-based actress, artist, and writer. When she is not on stage, Naomi works behind-the-scenes, taking care of all things operational at Mitzi’s Cafe.
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