During wildfire season, it’s common for Portland homeowners to notice that their house smells like smoke when the AC is running. While this odor might be common, it is generally not a good sign. In order to avoid this issue, you may need to upgrade, maintain, or repair one or more components of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. At Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our team can evaluate your indoor air quality (IAQ), inspect your HVAC unit, and determine the underlying cause of your problem.
What the Smoke Smell Usually Means
If you are experiencing a smoke smell with an AC in Portland, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the AC is creating smoke. During wildfire season, the most common cause is outdoor smoke finding its way inside. If a neighbor is smoking or barbecuing, this can make your house smell like smoke when your AC is running.
Most Common HVAC Reasons a Smoke Smell Lingers Indoors
While each situation is different, there are a few common reasons why a smoky odor might linger indoors.
Filter Is Loaded or Not Rated for the Conditions
Smoke particulates can quickly overwhelm your air filter when the air quality is poor. Additionally, many filters aren’t rated for removing smoke. However, you should only increase your filter’s MERV rating if your AC can safely handle the higher rating.
Duct Leaks or Return-Side Gaps
Attics, crawlspaces, and wall-cavity leaks can bring smoky air indoors. If you have any return-side gaps or duct leaks, this air can get into your HVAC system and release a wildfire smoke smell in the vents. Unfortunately, duct leaks are quite common, especially in older homes. According to one estimate, around 20% to 30% of the air in an average home is lost through duct leaks.
Air Purifier or Filtration Setup Is Too Limited
Sometimes, even good air filters and well-maintained ductwork aren’t enough to keep wildfire odors out. In this instance, you may want to invest in a whole-home air purifier so that your indoor air receives a higher level of filtration.
Doors, Windows, and Building Leakage Are Working Against the System
Besides worrying about duct leakage and smoke smells, it’s also important to investigate leaks around doors and windows. Older homes in Portland are especially prone to these types of air leaks, increasing the likelihood of indoor odors.
The System Is Running Constantly Without Solving the IAQ Problem
If your HVAC system is running for extended periods, it should be filtering the air and improving indoor air quality. When your HVAC system is unable to clean the air, check your settings. If your system has a fresh-air intake, set it to recirculate mode or close the outdoor-air damper. Make sure fresh-air dampers are closed, and avoid running exhaust fans unless necessary. If you have a whole-house fan, you should turn it off and close any windows.
Safe Checks Homeowners Can Make First
If you’re concerned about smoke in your house and your HVAC in Portland, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can use to resolve the problem on your own.
- First, check your air filter condition. Under normal conditions, many filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days, depending on the filter type and manufacturer recommendations. During smoke season, the filter should be changed more frequently.
- Go around your home to note if the smell is strongest at your vents or if it is present throughout your home.
- Note if any of your rooms have a more noticeable odor than others.
- Check for obvious leaks around your doors, windows, and vents.
While basic troubleshooting can resolve many IAQ problems, it won’t solve every issue. If you’re suffering from poor air quality, it’s time to reach out for professional help.
When Smoke Smell Points to a Ductwork or Airflow Problem
If you’re dealing with a smoke smell with an AC in Portland, there are a few checks you can do to determine the source. When the odor comes from all of your vents, it is likely related to an underlying HVAC or filtration issue. For example, you may need a filter replacement or an air purifier installed. Pressure imbalances in different rooms can cause outdoor air to be pulled in through cracks around your windows, while leaks in your return ducts can bring in smoke from outdoors.
When an IAQ Upgrade Deserves the Conversation
In some cases, the best option for addressing a smoke odor is with an IAQ upgrade. If any of the following describe your current situation, it may be time for an IAQ evaluation.
- Your home experiences repeated smoke events.
- There are sensitive occupants in your home who could be harmed by poor air quality.
- Your existing system can’t handle a higher-rated filter, so you need an alternative.
- You want more air purification than a filter-only solution offers.
How a Technician Diagnoses Persistent Smoke Smell
When you call us about a smoke smell from your AC in Portland, our team will quickly get to work determining the cause of your IAQ problem and the best treatment option. We typically start by inspecting your ductwork, reviewing your filter, and testing your airflow.
Depending on the results, we may recommend switching to a higher-rated filter, repairing the AC unit, or installing an air purifier for wildfire smoke in Portland. If leaky ducts are the problem, our technicians will determine whether duct sealing, repairs, or replacement are needed. When residue or debris are a contributing factor, duct cleaning may also be recommended.
Schedule IAQ, Ductwork, or AC Service in Portland
If your entire house smells like smoke when the AC is running, you are not alone. During Portland’s wildfire season, smoky air is a common issue. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your family’s respiratory health and comfort.
Before you reach out to our HVAC technicians, take a moment to note how long the smell has been present, where it is strongest, what your filter type is, and if you have an existing air purifier. With this information, an HVAC technician will be able to make an informed diagnosis and recommendation.
Ready to improve your IAQ? Give Central Air a call at 971-435-7303 to get your HVAC system checked out.