Most people are acquainted with the smell that comes with the first time you turn on the furnace in the autumn. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Why does my furnace smell bad?” you should know that there are certain odors that are entirely natural and others that suggest a problem and that it’s time to search for a furnace specialist from the HVAC in Port Charlotte, FL.
Common Furnace Odor
Some odors arise with typical furnace usage and aren’t a reason for worry, but others may indicate a major issue. Here are some of the most prevalent odors that emerge from the furnace:
- Burning dust
- Oil
- Rotten egg
- Electrical burning
- Mold
- Smoke
- Chemicals
It’s natural for a furnace to grow dusty in the offseason, particularly if it is placed in the basement. As you don’t use the furnace, it gathers some debris, and it is okay to smell that dust burning off the first few times you turn it on when the weather becomes colder. However, if the smell lingers after a couple of weeks of usage, it might signal a more problematic condition.
- Chemicals
Chemicals usually possess quite distinct scents. If you smell chemicals like formaldehyde, this is likely due to a crack in the furnace’s heat exchange unit. This raises the danger of both fire and carbon monoxide. For this, you should call in service professionals as soon as feasible.
- Oil
The smell of oil is most likely a clogged filter, and replacing the filter should eliminate the smell. If it doesn’t, a continual oil smell may be a sign of a greater issue, and you should call specialists.
- Rotten Eggs
Natural gas does not have any smell when it occurs. Therefore providers treat it with strong scents (rotten eggs and sulfur) to identify leaks. If you smell rotten eggs, it’s most likely due to a problem with the gas line. If the odor is a fragment, turn off your heat and ventilate your house thoroughly, and if the scent is strong and persistent, contact your gas provider immediately and follow their advice.
- Electrical Burning
Metallic and electric smells are often produced by extensive heat. Shut off your furnace to prevent the danger of automatic shutdown and potential fire. Call and wait for specialists to detect and repair overheated components in the furnace.
- Mold
Mold arises for many of the same causes as the burning dust smell. It typically only signifies that there is a buildup of dampness. It should resolve after running the furnace for a few hours for several days. If this smell continues, it might be a symptom of mold in the ducting. That might be harmful, and you should consult specialists as soon as possible.
- Smoke
Chimneys being clogged and causing the smoke to move down your house’s ductwork is the major reason for smelling smoke. If you smell smoke from the vents, turn off your furnace immediately and call a professional chimney cleaning service.
Some smell is anticipated while running a furnace regularly. Still, if one of the typical odors continues or an unexpected scent arises abruptly, you probably need to call Emery Air Conditioning. We give excellent expert service for furnace repair at Port Charlotte and air conditioning in Port Charlotte, FL. You can even call us at 941-629-7733 to avail of our HVAC-related services.
