Is there something smoky in the air?
It’s always very important to be on guard for weird smells in your home. This is especially true if what you’re smelling is smoke.
But, what do you do?
Find out what you need to do after smelling smoke in your home.
1. Check for Fire
The first thing you should do when you smell smoke in your home is to figure out if there actually is smoke.
If you do find an actual fire, call the fire department ASAP. If you have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it, do it (safely, of course).
You should also take measures to prevent future fires. Have your electrical system evaluated, and have any problems repaired. You can read more here to get started.
Also, you should double-check all your smoke detectors and sprinkler system (should you have one). These can be a crucial first line of defense against devastating fires.
2. Determine The Source
If there isn’t a fire causing the smoky smell, you’ll need to figure out what the actual cause is.
If the smoke smell comes in and out, you should think about other factors that accompany the smell.
For example, think about the weather whenever you smell smoke. If it’s always when its raining, you might have the culprit. Smoke, particularly cigarette smoke, can build up in the walls of your home. Rain will release the smell.
If you have a fireplace, this could also be the source of the smell. This is particularly true if you’ve used it recently.
But, you should be careful not to misattribute the smell. It could also be the result of water heaters that are not properly filled, so you’ll want to have them properly evaluated before making assumptions.
3. Combat The Problem
Once you have some idea of what the problem is, it’s time to get it fixed. If the smoke smell is coming from debris in the wall, you should start by getting your home professionally cleaned. If that doesn’t work, you may have to get parts of your home replaced. That smell can really tank your property value in the future.
Of course, if the smell is coming from a problem with your gas or electrical system, you need to get that fixed as soon as you possibly can. Those can lead to further damage, and could even have devastating consequences.
If you still haven’t figured out the source of your smoke smell, look into calling in a home inspector. They can evaluate all aspects of your home, and may have more experience with the problem you’re having.
Smelling Smoke in Your Home: Take Action
Now that you know what to do after smelling smoke, ensure that you’re prepared for anything that could happen.
Do you need more advice to help you prepare for anything? Take a read through a few of our other helpful posts.
