Your furnace can emit all sorts of smells. While some are less serious,
others can indicate a major problem. To help you distinguish between a not so
significant issue and an urgent malfunction, we've listed 3 odors you shouldn't
ignore when it comes to your furnace.
Burning Dust
Most homeowners, at one time or another, have noticed a burning dust smell
coming from their furnace. This is especially common when the heat is turned on
for the first time. The dirt and dust that has gathered inside the furnace, as
it sat unused, is being burned away. While this is normal for a short period,
it shouldn't continue after your furnace's initial start-up. However, if the
smell does not go away, you may need to change the air filter. Replacing the
filter on a regular basis helps maintain a healthy furnace. If you have
installed a new air filter, and the smell is still present, you are likely
dealing with a more serious issue. Calling a heating repair
specialist to inspect your system is the next best step.
An Electrical or Metallic Smell
When components in your furnace are overheating they will produce a
distinctive electrical or metallic smell. Unfortunately, the odor can indicate
a number of malfunctions, such as, a burned-out motor or frayed wiring. If you
get a whiff of either of these smells while your furnace is on, stop what you
are doing and immediately shut it off. Continuing to run your system may be
dangerous. Once the furnace is no longer operating, contact a HVAC professional
to inspect and repair your furnace.
A Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell
To help people easily detect a leak, a harmless sulfur containing chemical
called mercaptan is added to gas. The chemical causes gas to smell like rotten
eggs. If your furnace is on and your home is suddenly filled with this
unpleasant odor, a gas leak is most likely the source. Immediately gather your
family and exit your house. Once everyone is out of your home, you should call
for emergency assistance. After the gas to your home has been turned off, call
a HVAC technician to come locate and repair the leak.
Furnace malfunctions are bound to happen, however, you can ensure they
happen less frequently by having your system serviced at the start of the
heating season. If you would like to schedule an annual furnace inspection,
please contact New
England Cooling Towers today to take a look at your appliance.
