This time of year, lighting candles around the house is a great way to get cozy and enjoy the scents of the season. But if you’re burning a few dozen candles just to douse a bad smell at home? Well, then you’ve got a problem.

We helped out some homeowners who were doing just that — trying to mask unpleasant household odors. After taking a closer look, we found several issues with their HVAC system. If you’re experiencing similar problems in your home, here are some do’s and don’ts to follow:

Do: Neutralize odors where you can

Certain parts of your home are prone to stinky smells — and there are easy fixes for these problems. For instance, baking soda can keep your fridge fresh, citrus peel can solve a stinky garbage disposal and there are plenty of bathroom deodorizers you can try. Keeping carpets and upholstery clean is important as well. But if you’ve tried all these tactics and find that the bad smell in your home keeps circulating, it may be an HVAC issue.

Don’t: Try to mask a smell that won’t go away

Constantly lighting scented candles or spraying air freshener might help distract from a foul odor, but it won’t solve the problem. Instead of trying to cover up the smell, look for a permanent solution that leaves you with fresher, cleaner and odor-free air.

Do: Open the windows to let some fresh air in

If your home is smelling a little musty, opening the window on a cool and breezy day can work wonders. But if you’re experiencing a hot and humid stretch, letting excess moisture in will only exacerbate the problem.

Don’t: Leave old filters in your heating and cooling appliances

If you forget to change your filters on a routine basis, they won’t do you much good. Instead, dust, dander, bacteria and other airborne contaminants will freely circulate, causing respiratory irritation and creating a bad smell at home.

Do: Prioritize proactive maintenance of your home systems

If any of your home systems — from the plumbing and electrical to heating and cooling — experience a surprise breakdown, you may end up noticing foul odors that won’t go away. With routine maintenance, you can avoid this headache altogether.

Don’t: Forget that a bad smell at home could signal a hazard

An unpleasant odor could be the result of anything from an electrical issue or mold build up to a fire or gas leak. Be alert to these possibilities and act immediately to keep your family safe.

Do: Consult the professionals

If you’re a San Antonio homeowner, Tiger Services can investigate your heating and cooling system, identify what’s causing the odor and recommend ways to keep your air fresh and clean.

Call or text us at (210) 344-0060 to schedule service.