Sulfur smell coming out of my air ducts?

Question

I have a horrible sulfur smell coming out of my air ducts. It is really bad. I have an electric heat pump for my heating and cooling. I didn't have this problem in the winter when I used my heat, just now, when I'm using the air. It doesn't smell all of the time - some days it doesn't smell at all. But most of the time it does. Any ideas? I'm at my wits end. I have called several places and noone has ever heard of this. Thanks.

Answer 1

You may have a fungus growing on the indoor coil. As you cool the air, the moisture condenses and sticks to the indoor coil. It should drain out, but may not be draining properly. Check the condensation collection drain tube.

Can you open the cabinet and see if the coil is clean? Do you have a small hand-held spray bottle? Put some MILD dish washing soap and water in the spray bottle. Turn off your A/C (and fan) for a bit and squirt the soapy water on the indoor coil. Let it sit for a few minutes then rinse with clear water. The water should run out the condensate drain tube.

If this doesn't work, you should consult a reputable A/C company.

Answer 2

You don't want to mess with a gas heater. if it is older there is a chance the heat exchanger is bad and burning almuminum. this is a wierd smell. what this means is there is a leak in the part of the heater that devides the fire from the actual air going throgh to heat the home. when the heat exchanger gets old, it burns away some of the metal and lets CO2 into the home. along with burnt aluminum. First of all. if there is anyone living there getting headaches, feeling tired, then you may have a seriouse problem. get them out open a window and call for help. Get a licenced repair company to look at it,

Answer 3

Do you have pets? I have seen several situations where the homeowner's pets were pissing down the vents. Sounds crazy, but we took the ductwork apart and found it. Just another idea.

Answer 4

You may have developed a refrigerant leak in your coil. Have a leak test done.