Monday, November 27, 2017

3 Smells That Indicate Your Furnace is Malfunctioning

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.