Noticing a strange chemical smell in house that's driving you crazy?

You're definitely not alone with this problem. It's unsettling when your home suddenly starts smelling like chemicals - especially when you can't figure out where it's coming from.

The good news? Most chemical odors have simple explanations and solutions.

This guide will help you track down what's causing that smell and how to get rid of it.

What Is That Weird Chemical Smell In House?

You'd be surprised how many different things can cause chemical smells in your house.

Some of them are nothing to worry about, but others you'll want to take care of right away. I'll walk you through the most common things to check for:

Melted HVAC Relays Or Other Components

The most common reason why your house smells like chemicals is due to melted HVAC components like relays.

When these parts overheat and start melting, you'll notice a chemical smell (kind of like burning plastic) coming from your vents.

Usually, you'll catch this smell the most when your system is running, especially when you first start using your heating or AC for the season.

The smell might even get worse throughout the day as your system works harder.

What Is That Weird Chemical Smell In House

Freon Leaks

If you have an older air conditioner, the chemical smell in house could be a Freon leak.

Older systems use Freon as the refrigerant, and when it leaks, it gives off a sweet chemical smell. Newer AC units don't have this problem because they use safer alternatives, but if you've got an older system, you'll want to watch out for this.

The smell will be strongest around your AC unit or when it's running.

You might notice your AC isn't working as well, or your energy bills are getting higher.

This could actually be very dangerous so don't put off calling someone if you think you've got a Freon leak.

Sewer Gas

Sometimes what you think is a chemical smell is actually sewer gas finding its way into your home.

This can happen if you've got dry P-traps in drains you don't use much, or if there's something up with your sewer lines or plumbing vents. Even a broken toilet seal can let these smells in.

You'll probably notice it most in your bathrooms, basement, or around drains, and running water or flushing toilets might make it worse.

If you think this might be your problem, don't ignore it. Sewer gas isn't just gross; it can be dangerous too.

Rotting Or Moldy Food

This might sound odd, but sometimes what seems like a chemical smell is actually coming from food that's gone bad.

When food gets moldy or starts growing in damp spots around your house, it can create some really strong odors that smell surprisingly chemical-like.

You’ll notice the smell gets stronger when you open cabinets or when your fridge is running.

These odors usually go away on their own, but if they're sticking around longer than you'd like, we've got some tips coming up to help deal with them.

Residual Fumes From Home Projects

Have you done any painting or renovating lately? That could be the cause of the smell.

Things like paint, varnish, and adhesives can stick around longer than you'd expect.

Depending on how well your house is ventilated and what products you used, you might be smelling these for anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

You'll notice it most in the rooms where you did the work, but your AC can actually spread it all through the house.

Something you might not know - these smells often get stronger when it's warm or humid, which is why they might seem worse during the day or in warm weather.

How To Get Rid Of Chemical Smell In House

Now that you know what might be causing that chemical smell in house, let me show you how to get rid of it:

#1 Find The Source And Fix It

The very first thing you need to do is track down where that smell is coming from.

Think of it like being a detective - you'll want to walk through your house and notice where the smell gets stronger or weaker. Check on any home projects you've done recently, take a look at your HVAC system, and keep an eye out for any signs of mold.

I find it really helpful to write down what you discover - especially if you end up needing to call a professional. They'll appreciate knowing all the details you've noticed.

Remember, you won't really solve the problem until you know exactly what's causing it.

#2 Ventilate Your House

Getting fresh air moving through your house makes a huge difference.

The best way to do this is to open windows on opposite sides of your house - this creates what we call cross-ventilation, and it works so much better than just opening one window.

You can make it even more effective by setting up fans - try putting some pointing in and others pointing out near your windows.

Don't worry if it's cold or hot outside - even a few minutes of fresh air can make a big difference.

#3 Use An Odor Absorber

For those stubborn smells that just won't quit, try using some odor absorbers

Things like activated charcoal, baking soda, or white vinegar can work wonders.

Who To Call For Chemical Smell In House

Sometimes you need some professional help with these situations, and that's totally okay.

Here's who you should call depending on what you think might be going on:

An HVAC technician is your go-to if the smell seems to be coming from your heating or cooling system
A plumber should be your choice if you're thinking it might be sewer gas
A home inspector or general contractor can be really helpful if you just can't figure out where the smell is coming from

Wrapping Up

I know chemical smells in your house can be really worrying, but now you know what to look for and what to do about it.

Just remember - don't ignore these smells because they're usually trying to tell you something's wrong that could affect your health and safety.

Follow the steps we talked about to find the source, fix it, and get rid of any lingering odors.

And remember, there's absolutely nothing wrong with calling in professionals if you need help figuring things out.

Chemical Smell In House (Solved)