Heat pumps provide a great way to keep your home warm without consuming too much energy. However, you may start to notice that your heat pump is creating unpleasant smells. These can be easy to ignore at first, but they hint at underlying issues that should be addressed before they can create further damage.

Here are just five common reasons your heat pump is producing unpleasant smells.

1. Clogged Air Filter

Your heat pump uses an air filter to prevent irritants and pollutants from getting into your home. However, that filter can become clogged over time. When this happens, your heat pump's motor will be forced to work harder than it is supposed to, which often produces a smell of burning. This should go away after the filter has been changed and your motor has stopped being put under added stress.

2. Dust on the Heater Coils

It doesn't matter how clean you keep your home. Unfortunately, some dust is always going to infiltrate your heating system, and it often ends up on the heating coils. Once a lot of dust has built up, a burning smell will be created once the heat pump is turned on. This is most common after the heat pump has gone unused for some time, and it often disappears after a few uses. However, you should contact an HVAC contractor if it continues.

3. Damaged Wiring

The wiring within your heating system shouldn't be put under too much stress, so serious electrical issues are unlikely. However, they can develop, and they will also produce a burning smell. If damaged wiring is to blame, you may hear odd noises when the heat pump is turned on or find the system failing for no discernible reason.  

4. Trapped Animals

In some cases, you may notice a smell of rotting coming from your heat pump. While this isn't particularly pleasant to think about, such odours are usually caused by an animal crawling into the system, becoming trapped, and then dying. You can usually remove the carcass yourself by taking off the heat pump's cover, but you can also get a professional to take care of it.

5. Mould

Though not common, mould can grow inside your heat pump. It can also develop on surrounding walls. When this happens, you'll probably notice a musty smell when the heat pump is turned on. Minor mould is something you can clean yourself, but you should contact a professional if significant mould is present. 

For more info about heating services, contact a local company.