Fairly odd Central Air Question
#1
05-18-17, 12:08 PM
Fairly odd Central Air Question
Hi all
So, last year, we used the (Lennox) central Air in our house without any perceived issue.
This year, something rather odd is happening. It smells almost like old ash from our fireplace is somehow getting in to the AC. When it runs, we get a sooty/old smokey smell throughout the house.
"you get used to it" after a few minutes, but it is annoying.
We did have a bunch of work done on our chimney (condenser is VERY close to chimney) last fall-- relined, rebuild chimney from roofline up for one side/flu. We have two flus, the one for the furnace had intact terra cotta liner, the fireplace flu was disintegrated--thats the side that was relined.
Any idea how to track this down? We havent had a fire in months. And the fireplace is cleaned out.
So, last year, we used the (Lennox) central Air in our house without any perceived issue.
This year, something rather odd is happening. It smells almost like old ash from our fireplace is somehow getting in to the AC. When it runs, we get a sooty/old smokey smell throughout the house.
"you get used to it" after a few minutes, but it is annoying.
We did have a bunch of work done on our chimney (condenser is VERY close to chimney) last fall-- relined, rebuild chimney from roofline up for one side/flu. We have two flus, the one for the furnace had intact terra cotta liner, the fireplace flu was disintegrated--thats the side that was relined.
Any idea how to track this down? We havent had a fire in months. And the fireplace is cleaned out.
#2
05-18-17, 12:16 PM
Group Moderator
The condensor is the unit outside. No air is exchanged from outside for this unit. The condensor fan just cools the compressor and condensor coil.
Any smell in the A/C system would have to be getting in the return side of the ductwork.
Any smell in the A/C system would have to be getting in the return side of the ductwork.
#3
05-18-17, 12:35 PM
that makes sense... But this smells almost like its pulling air from inside the chimney! very weird.
#4
05-18-17, 12:39 PM
Group Moderator
Maybe it is.
Where is the air handler in reference to the chimney ?
There would have to be a smell of smoke where the leak in the chimney was.
Where is the air handler in reference to the chimney ?
There would have to be a smell of smoke where the leak in the chimney was.
#5
05-18-17, 07:02 PM
I need to google what an air handler looks like, lol.
The furnace is in the basement, right in front of chimney
The furnace is in the basement, right in front of chimney
#6
05-18-17, 07:36 PM
Group Moderator
Ok... you posted in the A/C forum which means just A/C.... no furnace.
Your furnace is your air handler. The blower inside is for both heating and cooling.
So if the furnace is right in front of the chimney then it could be picking up a smoke smell but for that to happen you'd need to be able to smell the smoke at that location also.
Your furnace is your air handler. The blower inside is for both heating and cooling.
So if the furnace is right in front of the chimney then it could be picking up a smoke smell but for that to happen you'd need to be able to smell the smoke at that location also.
#7
05-19-17, 06:18 AM
I think I am beginning to sort this out.
I had the HVAC guys move a return from below the window near the fireplace to the floor-- as I had a sectional couch being moved in and the chaise part would block the return.
The return is now very close to the fireplace. Even with the glass doors closed, I wonder if its pulling air down from the chimney and into the HVAC system. I may get a cap to see if it makes a difference.
I had the HVAC guys move a return from below the window near the fireplace to the floor-- as I had a sectional couch being moved in and the chaise part would block the return.
The return is now very close to the fireplace. Even with the glass doors closed, I wonder if its pulling air down from the chimney and into the HVAC system. I may get a cap to see if it makes a difference.
#8
05-19-17, 10:39 AM
Group Moderator
The return is now very close to the fireplace. Even with the glass doors closed, I wonder if its pulling air down from the chimney and into the HVAC system. I may get a cap to see if it makes a difference.
#9
05-19-17, 10:50 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
I have a similar problem. If I haven't cleaned out fireplace before I turn A/C on I get the ask smell. If I leave fireplace doors open. One of the return air vents is located in same room so air is drawn in through chimney and through room. Fireplace clean and doors closed no smell.
