Why Does My Furnace Smell Weird?
When you run a furnace in your home, you can expect it to produce some weird smells from time to time. One common time is when you first start it up after it has sat still throughout the summer months. But, there are some certain smells that should be cause for concern. If you have any of these smells from your furnace, call an HVAC professional for help.
Burning Smell
A burning odor is only typical when you run your furnace after a summer of sitting. This odor is a result of the dust on your heating system burning as it starts up for the winter season. If you notice a burning smell well after you've started your heating system, then it should be a concern. This holds especially true if you smell an electrical burning scent.
Rotten Eggs Smell
Those who use natural gas to heat their homes may experience a smell of rotten eggs or sulfur. This is a chemical additive that the gas company adds to their gas to help alert you of a leak. If you smell rotten eggs, shut off your heating system and call the professionals. A gas leak can be dangerous to your health and your home.
Dust Smell
As your ducts move heated air through your home, they can also pick up unwanted airborne debris like dust. As the dust accumulates, you'll start to notice a dusty smell coming from your home. This signals that you need to change your air filter. Experts recommend changing your filter every three months during the winter season.
Exhaust Smell
As your furnace combusts, it will produce exhaust fumes. These go to the exterior of your home to keep you and your family safe. Whenever there is a leak in your venting system, it can allow this toxic exhaust to seep into your home. It's best to shut your heating system off and contact one of our HVAC professionals for help.
Smoke Smell
Another cause for concern when it comes to smells from your furnace is a smoke odor. As your system combusts to create heat for your home, the exhaust fumes exit your home. But, when the venting becomes blocked, the smoke can go back into your ducting. This can create a smoke odor that you can smell throughout your home. This is a major concern and requires you to immediately shut down your furnace.
Call Us Today
If you're experiencing a weird odor coming from your HVAC system, consider it a concern. Contact our HVAC professionals today to get quick help with your heating system. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help with all your heating needs.
