If you own a furnace, you know how important it is to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. One of the easiest ways to do this is by paying attention to the smells that come from your furnace. While some smells may be harmless, others can be a sign of a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. In this blog post, we will explore the 6 furnace smells you should never ignore and what they could mean for your home.
Common Furnace Odors & What They Mean
1. Rotten Egg Smell
If you smell rotten eggs coming from your furnace, this could be a sign of a gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, but gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a distinct smell. If you smell this odor, turn off your furnace, evacuate your home, and call your gas company immediately.
2. Burning Plastic or Electrical Smell
If you smell a burning plastic or electrical smell, this could be a sign of an overheated furnace. This smell could also be a sign of a damaged or frayed wire, which can be a fire hazard. Turn off your furnace and call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your system.
3. Musty or Moldy Smell
If you smell a musty or moldy smell, this could be a sign of mold growth in your furnace or ductwork. Mold can cause serious health problems, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues. Call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your system and clean your ductwork.
4. Oil or Smoke Smell
If you smell oil or smoke coming from your furnace, this could be a sign of a malfunctioning oil burner. This could also be a sign of a clogged chimney or flue, which can be very dangerous. Turn off your furnace and call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your system.
5. Metallic Smell
If you smell a metallic smell, this could be a sign of a cracked heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger can leak deadly carbon monoxide into your home, which can be fatal. Turn off your furnace and call a professional HVAC technician immediately.
6. Sulfur Smell
If you smell a sulfur smell, this could be a sign of a problem with your furnace's exhaust system. This could be caused by a clogged or damaged exhaust vent, which can cause deadly carbon monoxide to build up in your home. Again, turn off your furnace and call a professional HVAC technician immediately.
Dealing with Weird Furnace Smells? Get Help Today!
Paying attention to the smells coming from your furnace can help keep your home safe and warm. If you notice any of these 6 furnace smells, turn off your furnace and call Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. without delay. We offer furnace repair and maintenance services to keep your home safe and comfortable all winter long.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.