There’s Black Smoke Coming From an Air Vent. Now What? Air Authority Explains

It’s a normal day in your home, and your furnace is keeping your place toasty warm. Suddenly, you smell something odd, like a slight tinge of burnt toast with a musty insulation odor to it. 

Nothing’s happening in the kitchen, and you don’t have any candles lit. Then you see some black smoke coming from an air vent.

What do you do? Air Authority explains.

Related Post: Air Authority Discusses Furnace Safety Tips 

Turn Off the Furnace

First, you should turn off the furnace to make sure it’s not the source of the black smoke. Take a look at the unit to make sure nothing is burning inside of it. Look to see if there’s smoke coming from the furnace itself. Do you notice any unusual noises? Do you notice any unusual odors? 

If your home has a gas furnace, smoke, open flame, and the odor of gas are all dangerous signs. If you are concerned for your safety, get your loved ones outside and call emergency services.

Did You Burn Something Recently?

Black soot coming from air vents could come from your fireplace or burning candles. That’s because your HVAC unit sucks up air and recirculates it through your home. If this is the case, you should invest in a new air filter to make sure it captures smoke particles. Consider a high-quality HEPA filter for best results.

Black Mold or Mildew

Does the black stuff smell musty? Do you see black build-up around your air vents? Perhaps you have mold growing in your air ducts due to excess moisture. That’s a serious problem that can affect your indoor air quality. You’ll need a professional to clean out your air ducts. Then you need to solve the problem of how mold grew there in the first place. We can recommend a solution for you.

Dirt, Dust, or Insulation

Insulation can come loose and make it into your ductwork. If your ducts are in an unfinished part of your home, dust and dirt may get in there, too. If this is the case, a professional HVAC specialist like Air Authority should repair or replace the air duct letting these pollutants into your HVAC system. Then you need to have the ducts cleaned.

Related Post: Does Indoor Air Quality Have an Effect on Lung Infections?

HVAC and Furnace Repair by Air Authority

Air Authority can repair or replace any part of your HVAC system. If you have any questions or concerns regarding black smoke coming from your air vents, contact Air Authority online or call (513) 229-0789 for more information.