Similar questions: house musty smell caused heating cooling unit pulling air basement fix.
Remove the musty odor in the basement, possibly install a dehumidifier and change your HVAC filter. If you remove the musty odor in the basement, the HVAC will no longer recirculate musty air. Here are steps to get rid of the musty dampness from the basement that is causing the problem...From: ehow.com/how_18796_remove-musty-basement... musty basement isn't something you have to live with - though many people do!
Start with the easier solutions first; you may have only a minor problem. Move on to the more complex solutions as your situation warrants. InstructionsDifficulty: ModerateSteps1Step OneVentilate.
Too much moisture is the cause of musty basements, and a couple of open windows at opposite ends of the area may provide adequate cross-ventilation to air out the smell.2Step TwoGet rid of any mildewy carpet padding, and deep-clean your carpets. Set furniture outside in the sun to air out.3Step ThreeMop or wash down concrete floors and walls with a solution of bleach and water (about 3/4 cup chlorine bleach to 1 gal. Of water.
Let the solution sit on the concrete surfaces for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry.4Step FourCheck the drainage around your house. Porous basement walls may transmit moisture from the ground outside during rainy spells, and the trapped moisture increases the humidity in your basement. Make sure the ground slopes away from foundation walls, and that downspouts extend 6 feet or more from the house.5Step FiveWaterproof the basement.
Look for cracks in the walls and floor and seal them with hydraulic cement. Apply concrete waterproofing sealer where the floor meets the wall.6Step SixBuy and install a dehumidifier as a last resort to remove excess moisture. Tips & Warnings * Use fans to aid ventilation.
Place one in the center of the area to circulate air and one at an open window to serve as an exhaust. * Open windows when cleaning with bleach - fumes are harmful! " Sources: http://www.ehow.com/how_18796_remove-musty-basement.html .
Try getting rid of dampness with a dehumidifier. Most HVAC units would not "pull" air from your basement, they recirculate air already in the house. If your basement is unfinished and unheated, there is no reason that your air handler should be pulling in any of that air, unless there are leaks in the basement duct work on the intake side of your air handler.So you could check for leaks there.
Any part of the house that is heated/cooled is inevitably going to have it's air mixed with the air from the rest of the house, because that is how air handlers work. If your HVAC heats/cools your basement, it would probably have a return air duct in the basement, and this is normal and necessary.It is hard to diagnose and cure the problem without knowing more, but here is a suggestion: "musty" may come from the basement being too damp. If that sounds like your basement, you might consider putting a portable dehumidifier down there and see if it eliminates the smell.
I have used these and they are not too expensive, and they remove a huge amount of water from the air. If that works and solves your problem, you can have a dehumidifier with a permanent drain installed in your air handler. Last of all, check if you have any kind of mold or mildew anywhere in your basement.
These also create a smell. If so, this would be something probably connected with moisture and humidity. Dehumidify, and try to eradicate any visible mold or mildew.
Check the drian hole. Chances are the smell is caused by a clogged drain hole. If you can locate the hole in the unit use a bent wire hanger to clear away any dirt or debris.
Next check the bottom of the unit to see if water is pooling underneath. Try and mop up the escess water.
When my husband and I moved into an older house it had a really bad musty odor. We could not figure out what was causing the odor. We tried doing repairs, but nothing worked.
The neighbor across the street (also with an older house) told me about an odor eliminator that she uses. It's called Room Shocker and it worked great! It is environmentally friendly too!
You can find it at biocidesystems.com/roomshocker1.html html.
" "How do I get rid of musty smell in basement?" "could you please tell me what caused the bad smell (like bad breath) from the heating system" "I have a damp basement and would like to get rid of the musty smell down there. I was told to spread lime ovr floor? " "Does anyone know of a really good odor absorber for a musty smell?" "How do I get rid of musty smell in books.
Could you please tell me what caused the bad smell (like bad breath) from the heating system.
I have a damp basement and would like to get rid of the musty smell down there. I was told to spread lime ovr floor?
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.