Most people are familiar with the smell that comes with the first time you turn on the furnace in the fall. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Why does my furnace smell bad?” you should know that there are some odors that are completely normal, and some that indicate a problem and that it’s time to look for furnace repair in San Jose, CA.
Common Furnace Odors
Some odors come with normal furnace use and aren’t a cause for concern, but others may be a sign of a serious problem. Here are some of the most common smells that come from the furnace:
- Burning Dust
- Chemicals
- Oil
- Rotten Eggs
- Electrical burning
- Mustiness
- Smoke
Burning Dust
It’s normal for a furnace to become dusty in the off-season, especially if it is located in the basement. When you don’t use the furnace it collects some debris and it is okay to smell that dust burning off the first few times you turn it on when the weather gets cooler. However, if the smell continues after a couple of weeks of use it could indicate a more serious issue.
Chemicals
Chemicals typically carry highly distinct odors. If you smell chemicals, like formaldehyde, this is usually due to a crack in the furnace’s heat exchange unit. This increases the risk of both fire and carbon monoxide. For this, you should bring in service technicians as soon as possible.
Oil
The smell of oil is most likely a clogged filter, and changing the filter should get rid of the smell. If it doesn’t, a continuing oil smell may be an indicator of a larger problem and you should contact professionals.
Rotten Eggs
Natural gas does not have any odor as it occurs, so suppliers treat it with strong odors (rotten eggs and/or sulfur) to help identify leaks. If you smell rotten eggs, it’s most likely due to an issue with the gas line. If the smell is mild turn off your furnace and ventilate your home well. If the smell is strong and persistent, call your gas company directly and follow their directions.
Electrical Burning
Metallic and electric odors are generally caused by excessive heat. Shut off your furnace to reduce the risk of automatic shutoff and possible fire. Then call and wait for professionals to identify and replace overheating components in the furnace.
Mustiness
Mustiness occurs for many of the same reasons as burning dust smell. It usually just means that there is an accumulation of dampness. It should resolve after running the furnace for a few hours to a couple of days. If this smell persists, it could be a sign of mold in the ductwork. That could be toxic and you should contact professionals as soon as possible.
Smoke
Chimneys becoming blocked and forcing the smoke to go through the ductwork of your home is the main culprit of smelling smoke. If you smell smoke through the vents turn off your furnace immediately and contact a professional chimney cleaning service.
Some odor is to be expected when operating a furnace normally, but if one of the normal aromas persists or an uncommon scent appears suddenly, it is likely you need to contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide great professional service for furnace repair in San Jose, CA.
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