Poor Air Quality – Odors in the House

A persistent musty smell—especially in damp areas like bathrooms, crawl spaces, or basements—often points to mold or mildew growth. Mold spores reduce indoor air quality and can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.

If you don’t have a cat but smell ammonia-like odors (similar to cat urine), especially after rain, it could be a sign of toxic black mold. Certain mold strains emit a pungent, urine-like scent, making them easy to mistake for pet odors. Black mold is particularly hazardous and should always be professionally removed.

Solution:

• Improve ventilation in moisture-prone areas.
• Use a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity below 50%.
• If you suspect mold, schedule a professional mold inspection and remediation to prevent health risks.

A damp, swampy odor often signals rotting wood, especially in crawl spaces or under flooring. Left unchecked, moisture damage can cause structural issues, leading to sagging or buckling floors. The primary culprit is excess moisture in the crawl space, which creates a breeding ground for mold, pests, and wood decay.

Solution:

• Identify and fix the source of the moisture (leaky pipes, poor drainage, etc.).
• Consider crawl space encapsulation to prevent future water damage.
• Schedule a professional air quality assessment to ensure your home is safe.

Not all household odors are related to air quality—some can indicate dangerous safety hazards.

• Rotten Egg Smell: This could signal a natural gas leak. If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs, evacuate immediately and contact your gas provider.
• Fishy or Burning Plastic Smell: A strong fishy odor may be a sign of overheating electrical components. Faulty wiring or overloaded circuits can overheat and melt plastic coatings, leading to potential fire hazards.

Solution:

• Call your gas company if you suspect a leak.
• Contact an electrician immediately for an inspection if you notice a burning plastic or fishy smell.