Your nose is like a mini HVAC technician, able to detect furnace issues that you might have otherwise been unaware of. Your nose can pick up unusual smells coming from your furnace, which should prompt you to contact a professional right away. There are a number of potential issues that could cause certain smells, and they should never be ignored.
It is important to be aware of the various scents that a furnace in distress might give off. Although you can’t fix the problem yourself, identifying the issue can help keep you and your family safe this winter season. In today’s blog, we have given you a quick guide to different furnace smells and their potential causes.
Electrical Burning
Electrical smells coming from your furnace indicate that certain inside components are getting too hot, or overheated. When your system consistently overheats, wires and other metal and rubber mechanisms might actually be burning. Burnt wires might produce sparks, which can be enough to start a fire. If you’ve noticed any burning smells coming from your furnace, discontinue using it and contact a technician right away.
Dust or Must
Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can collect on your furnace or in the ductwork. In most cases, the smell of dust is rather normal. If you are turning on your system for the first time this season, the furnace will actually burn away the dust and dirt that has collected inside of it. Usually, this smell dissipates in just a few short hours. However, if the smell persists, you need to call a professional. A prolonged dusty smell could mean that your system is in jeopardy.
Rotten Egg or Sulfer
The smell of rotten eggs is a clear indicator that you have a gas leak in your home. If you ever smell this scent in your home, you must contact a professional right away, as inhaling natural gas can be quite dangerous, leaving homeowners feeling faint, dizzy, nauseous, short of breath, and fatigued.
Natural gas is highly flammable, so if you have a leak, lighting a match could be enough to set your home on fire. This is why it is so important that a gas leak is taken care of right away.
Fun fact: Natural gas is colorless and odorless, so many gas companies add the chemical mercaptan as a safety precaution. This chemical gives off the distinct scent of rotten eggs.
Call a Professional
Only a trained professional can determine the true source of your problem. Our team here at GRmetro Heating & Cooling are trained and experienced in accurately diagnosing and resolving all types of furnace issues. So if you ever need furnace repair in Wyoming, MI you know just who to call! Trust us, you don’t want to wait too long to schedule your repair services, especially if you are smelling something funky.
