Most U.S. homes are heated with a furnace. And for the most part, furnaces are designed to be safe, clean, and quiet.
That’s why if you begin smelling a new, and significant odor coming from your furnace, it could be an indication of something more serious that needs repairing.
If you keep reading, we’ll show you the 4 dangerous furnace smells that you must never ignore.
1. Rotten Egg Smell
If the smell of rotten eggs or sulfur is emanating from your furnace, this is a serious cause of concern. And you need to contact a specialist as soon as possible.
You see, both propane and natural gas are odorless and colorless in their natural states. This makes them almost impossible to detect. This is why suppliers now add methyl mercaptan, before distribution, which gives off a rotten egg smell.
That’s why if you smell rotten eggs, it means there is a gas leak. If this is the case for you, you need to shut down your furnace and exit your home immediately.
Once you are safely outside your home, call the local gas company to shut off your gas and call HVAC professional to repair your furnace if that is the cause of the gas leak.
2. Burning or Dusty Smell
It is very common to smell a burning or dusty smell from your furnace after starting it for the first time for the season. However, if the smell continues, it could be highlighting serious issues with your furnace.
If it is the first time your furnace has been started for a while, give it some time to get rid of some of the dust collected over the months.
If that doesn’t work, you can get the air filter changed. However, if the smell continues, you must call your local HVAC professional for help.
3. Metallic, Electrical, or Overheating Smells
If the electrical components of your furnace are overheating, they will produce a smell resembling hot metal, plastic, rubber, or burning oil. If your furnace smells like it is burning, it shows that your furnace is overheating and needs repairing.
First, shut down the furnace and unplug at the source. Then call your local HVAC repair specialist for an inspection.
4. Noxious Fumes
If your exhaust chimney is either partially or completely blocked, it can redirect exhaust fumes back into your home. More worryingly, a chimney blockage can also cause carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
This highlights the importance of having your furnace’s exhaust system properly maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.
If you are worried about this, make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Don’t Leave Furnace Smells Unfixed
We understand how worrying it can be when you get unwanted furnace smells filling your house. And it is often a sign of a bigger problem that needs fixing.
No matter what furnace odors are being produced, we at Jerry’s Heating and Cooling can help you find the problem and get it fixed fast.
If you are thinking, “My furnace smells”, and you are worried about any of these types of furnace smells, allow us to help! Contact us today with any questions or concerns that pertain to your home.