Have you ever noticed a strong acetone-like smell in your house randomly? There are multiple reasons why this smell may occur. It could be due to a poorly functioning HVAC system, dirty or clogged air filters, a gas leak, etc. If you're curious about the source of this smell, here are some possible causes.
Before we dive into the possible causes, let's first understand what acetone is and where it's used.
What is acetone?
Acetone is a colorless, strong-smelling, and highly flammable chemical used in industries as a solvent. It is used to manufacture many commercial products, such as nail polish removers, cleaning products, paints, and dyes. An unexpected leak of this chemical in your house can cause various health-related issues for you and your family.
Possible reasons for the acetone smell in your house?
1 . Moisture Contents In Air Conditioning
Stagnant water in drain pans, duct leakage, or clogged drain pipes can accumulate moisture in the HVAC system. This water accumulation will foster the growth of bacteria, ultimately causing a musty smell.
2 . Poor ventilation
Doors and windows provide easy ventilation in a house. Without adequate ventilation, air circulation is blocked, leading to a buildup of stale air. This can eventually cause a stinky odor in your house due to the lack of fresh air.
3 . Refrigerant Leaks
Old or poorly maintained refrigerants may leak and cause an acetone-like smell. A refrigerant leak poses significant health hazards, so this issue should be addressed immediately.
4 . Clogged Air Filters
Over time, air filters can become clogged with dirt and dust, leading to a musty odor in your house. To prevent clogging and improve air quality, you need to clean them regularly or replace them with new ones.
5 . Gas Leak
Using natural gas as a source of energy to heat your home could also be a reason for the acetone-like smell in your house. When natural gas leaks, it imparts a strong, rotten egg-like smell. Although natural gas is naturally odorless, companies deliberately add a chemical called mercaptan to make it easily recognizable in case of leaks, thereby preventing potential hazards.
6 . Electrical Damage
Although it is least likely to happen, it could also be one of the reasons for the acetone smell in the house since wires are made of PVC. When they spark, a harmful chemical whose smell resembles acetone is released.
7 . Rodents
Rodents, such as mice, urinate and defecate in their nests, and the smell of their waste can circulate through the vents when the furnace is turned on. Additionally, rodents damage the internal parts of the HVAC system, which can cause leaks.
6 . Spill Of Nail Polish Remover
A spill of acetone or nail polish remover in the house can also be a visible cause of an acetone smell that can last longer than you might expect.
How To Prevent The Acetone Smell?
Increase Ventilation
- Open doors and windows for good air circulation.
- Install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove a foul odor.
- Install ventilators like ERV (energy recovery ventilators) or HRV (heat recovery ventilators) to improve ventilation without wasting energy.
Regular Maintenance
- Periodic inspection of any sign of damage or leaks in the pipes.
- Routine HVAC system maintenance once a year to keep it running smoothly.
- Cleaning evaporators, drain pans and condenser coil regularly.
Regular Changing Of Air Filters
- Clean air filters regularly. Or,
- Replace them every 3-4 months to prevent clogging.
Pest Control
- Inspect and seal the gaps and cracks where the rodents might enter.
- Use rat traps to catch them.
- Hire professional pest control if nothing works.
Clean Up Nail Polish Remover Spill
- A gentle scrub with warm water and washing liquid.
- Place baking soda in a bowl to absorb all of the smell.
- Use fresh ground coffee not only to get the smell absorbed but also to make your house smell heavenly.
Conclusion
An unpleasant acetone smell in house can be annoying and pose significant health concerns. You can quickly eliminate this smell from your home by identifying the exact cause and implementing the correct preventive measures. Regular maintenance, proper ventilation, and frequent cleaning can help avoid this issue.
