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Decoding That Weird Home Smell (PHOTOS)

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Flickr photo by eccentricscholar

Did your home smell sweet when the furnace kicked on? Are you wandering around trying to figure out why your kitchen smells like garbage when you’ve already taken out the trash? The smells in your home are often trying to tell you things and will clue you in to problems you might otherwise never recognize.

Below, we listed six common mysterious smells and the treatable problems that cause them. The results might surprise you...

Your Home Smells...Sweet
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Your heater has rust or motor problems. When rust is exposed to heat, it gives of a sweet metallic smell, but this can come from the vents or the motor itself. So, first, check your motor by sniffing it for a sweet smell and take a look at the wiring. You can hire an handy man for $50-$100 to change the motor, or try to change it yourself if you are handy. Just make sure the new motor is the exact same as the old one. But, if the motor doesn't seem to be the problem, your air ducts are rusty and should be cleaned. While expensive (ranging usually from $400-$1000 depending on the system), a cleaning will remove the rust and any other debris, making the air in your home pollutant free.

Flickr Photo by Geert Schneider
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And if you have a more conventional "home smell" issue, check out these great guides...

Conquering Household Odors
Free, Natural Air Fresheners
How To De-Stink A Kitchen Sink

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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
pepper1311
POGS are dirt
342 Fans
10:42 AM on 12/29/2011
We had a Boston Terrier who could clear a room.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
gfgarv
but you are Blanche! You are...
123 Fans
06:01 PM on 11/23/2011
Maybe it's GrandPa....When have you seen him last?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
gfgarv
but you are Blanche! You are...
123 Fans
05:59 PM on 11/23/2011
There might be as dead cat in your wall. That could really stink. Don't forget that. A dead cat!!!!
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handydandy
0 Fans
05:38 PM on 11/23/2011
garbage disposal and trash compactor are two different units, This is why I don't put much stock in these listings.
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ae12wrangell
Everybody is entitled to my opinion
2288 Fans
03:36 PM on 11/23/2011
It could be one really wicked fart!
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Derrick Telles
19 Fans
12:17 PM on 11/19/2011
An EPA certification is required to handle "Freon". You must use a licensed HVAC and/or Refrigeration repair technician to diagnose, repair and recharge refrigerant leaks in appliances which contain "freon". These items include refrigerators, freezers, window A/C units, single room mini-split systems and whole house forced air A/C systems.

Some plumbers may be duel licensed and will display both the Master Plumber (MP) lic. num. as well as a Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Refrigeration (HVACR) license. Look for the required HVACR license number when looking for a qualified service tech.
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