Why Does My Furnace Smell?
- Dust Burn-Off A furnace overheating smell can come from dust burn-off. ...
- Clogged Filter Sometimes, an old filter can cause a burning smell from your furnace blower. ...
- Gas Leak If you smell a sulfuric egg scent, it’s best to shut off your furnace immediately. ...
- Foreign Objects ...
- Overheated Circuits ...
- Get Rid of Burning Furnace Smells With Oasis Heating, A/C and Refrigeration ...
Why is my furnace making a strange noise?
How do you know if your furnace blower motor is bad?
- Poor or Airflow from Air Vents. This will be the first and most obvious sign your blower motor has a problem. …
- No Airflow At All From Vents. …
- Skyrocketing Energy Bills. …
- Strange Noises When You Turn on the Heat. …
- Overheating Blower / Weird Smells.
Is it normal for my furnace to smell like gas?
When you kick your furnace on, all of the dirt, dust, and other impurities that have been sitting in your furnace can start to stir up. That “gas” smell can simply be the furnace burning off all of that accumulated dirt and debris. This is totally normal, and you can implement a quick fix to alleviate the issue.
What does the smell coming from your furnace mean?
When your furnace is giving off this smell, it means that it’s overheating. It will use up more electricity to drive through the resistance. This increased use of voltage causes too much heat buildup in the motor. This heat can cause other problems like melted wire insulations.
Why does my ventless fireplace smell so bad?
Why Do My Ventless Gas Logs Have An Odor If you're getting a true propane or natural gas odor from gas logs or space heaters there's more than likely a very small gas leak that is causing the odor and that can be fixed by repairing the leak.
How do I get rid of the smell in my furnace?
The best way to rid your furnace of this unpleasant smell is to give it a thorough cleaning and replacing your air filter. If the smell continues to linger then the problem may be in your air ducts, which will need to be cleaned by a professional.
Is it normal for a furnace to smell?
A burning dust smell may emanate from the furnace once you start the furnace at the beginning of the winter season. This smell is completely normal and should go away within several days. However, if the musty smell persists, try solving this problem by changing out the air filter.
What does it mean when your furnace smells?
Furnace smells like rotten eggs or like a sewer The smell can indicate a failed heat exchanger, especially if you have a high-efficiency furnace. This is a serious problem because a bad heat exchanger can pump unsafe levels of dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) gas into your home.
Why does my furnace smell like burning plastic?
Burning Plastic The smell of plastic burning could mean a foreign object has made its way into your heating unit. This could be anything from a plastic bottle cap to one of your children's plastic toys. As the plastic burns from the heat of the furnace, it can emit fumes into the home that are harmful to your health.
What does a furnace leak smell like?
If you detect a sulfuric, rotten egg-like smell coming from your furnace, it is imperative that you act immediately, as you could be dealing with a gas leak. While natural gas is extremely combustible and one of the most efficient fuel sources for a furnace to run on, it is also highly toxic when ingested.
What smells can come from furnace?
Furnace smells like burning plastic. Gas smell from furnace. Furnace smells like sewer. Furnace smells musty.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning if your furnace is off?
Technically, your system won't produce carbon monoxide if your furnace is not running. That said, your system can pull in CO from other sources in your home (your water heater or your fireplace, for example) and circulate it throughout your home, especially if you have holes in your air ducts.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a oil furnace?
Every winter when the temperature drops, your furnace can become a silent killer. Gas- and oil-burning furnaces produce carbon monoxide (CO). CO is an invisible, odorless, poison gas that kills hundreds every year and makes thousands more sick.
How do I stop my gas heater from smelling?
When you turn on the furnace for the first time, you might notice a slight gas smell while the furnace burns off the accumulated debris. This is normal, but you can cut down on the duration of this unpleasant smell by opening some windows to allow for cross ventilation to dissipate the smell quickly.
How do you know if your furnace is overheating?
Signs of an Overheated FurnaceYou notice a “hot” or burning smell coming from the vents. ... You hear strange noises or loud humming coming from the furnace. ... You notice the furnace cycling off without starting again.
Why does it smell like burning when I turn my heat on?
Accumulated dust is the most common source of a burning smell from your heater. Whether you operate an electric heater, furnace, or heat pump, a system that has remained dormant can accumulate dust and other particles from the air supply in your home.
Why does my house smell like burnt rubber?
Some people refer to this as a urine or burning rubber smell. This could be something electrical in the home overheating and melting its insulating plastic or rubber—which could lead to a fire. The most likely culprit is an appliance, such as a dishwasher, washing machine or an air conditioner.
What should furnace exhaust smell like?
The smell is similar to that of burning gas or rotten eggs. If this is the case, then you need not worry. The smell will clear after a short period. Cleaning the system after a long time without use is one way of ensuring no gas smell will come from your furnace.
Is it normal for furnace to smell like gas?
It's normal for gas furnaces to emit small amounts of gas when cycling on. If you occasionally detect a faint gas odor near the furnace during this cycle, you don't have anything to worry about. However, if you frequently smell gas throughout your home, your furnace could have a dangerous leak.
How do I know if my furnace is leaking gas?
If you suspect your furnace is leaking gas, it's important to contact an HVAC specialist immediately. A hissing sound and a smell of rotten eggs are both indications your furnace is leaking gas.
Why does it smell like something's burning when I turn my heat on?
A burning smell when you first turn your heater on is most likely caused by dust buildup on your furnace. For homeowners who live in a region that often experiences changing seasons, like in the Mid-Atlantic, it's likely that the furnace isn't used all year round.
Why does my furnace smell like it's overheating?
An electrical burning smell coming from your furnace indicates that it’s overheating. Wear and tear on components such as bearings and the blower motor can cause them to malfunction leading to overheating. The extra heat can melt other components in the system that are rubber as well as create sparks.
Why does my furnace smell like formaldehyde?
If there is a chemical odor that smells like formaldehyde, your furnace most likely has a cracked heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger is extremely dangerous for two reasons. First, it can fill your home with carbon monoxide. Second, it can cause a fire in your home. At Miller’s Heating & Air we take cracked heat exchangers very seriously.
Why does my heating system smell like rotten eggs?
Heating system smells that smell like rotten eggs or sulfur indicates a natural gas leak. Natural gas is odorless. Gas companies have added a chemical to the gas, which causes it to smell like rotten eggs and/or sulfur so home owners know when there is a gas leak. Inhaling natural gas is a health hazard, which can result in nausea, fatigue, dizziness and breathing issues. If there is a natural gas leak in your home, turn off your system immediately. Open your windows in order to increase ventilation and call an HVAC service professional for a heating service appointment. As a safety precaution, you may want to stay out of the home as a safety precaution until the problem has been fixed during a heating service appointment.
Why do my socks smell like dirty socks?
What is the culprit? When your furnace coils cycle between heating up and cooling down, it creates condensation that allows bacteria to grow. Bacteria builds up in your system over time and causes the smell. An annual maintenance completed by trained technician should take care of this problem. During an annual maintenance, your furnace coils are cleaned. It is also important to keep up on changing your furnace filter regularly.
What happens if you spill oil on a furnace?
If this catches on fire, it can cause a burning smell and even smoke. Lastly if you spill while refilling your oil tank and a smell may linger for a few days. If it continues past that period, you should have an HVAC professional who works on oil furnaces investigate the issue during a heating service appointment.
Why is my oil furnace catching on fire?
There is a higher likelihood of this occurring if your oil furnace is in your basement. Make sure to keep debris and items far away from your oil furnace to prevent them from catching on fire. Another possible cause is an issue with the oil and the burner.
What to do if you smell electrical burning?
If you smell electrical burning, immediately turn of your system in order to prevent a fire. You will need a trained professional to assess your system during a heating service appointment and repair it before it can be safely used again.
Why Does My Furnace Smell?
When a funky odor comes out of your vents, try not to panic! Furnace odors are not always a cause for concern, and certain smells are completely normal. Decode the furnace odor you experience using our guide below – with this helpful information, you’ll know when to call us for help and when you can relax and let the odor pass.
Decoding Strange Furnace Smells
There are many different odors that cause homeowners to question why their furnace smells? Below, find the potential causes of common furnace odors that may pop up over the course of this year’s heating season.
Furnace Repairs in Grand Rapids, MI
Why does my furnace smell? Hopefully if you notice furnace odors this winter, you’ll be able to easily decode them with our guide above.
Why does my furnace smell?
This is by far the most common of the furnace smells we encounter — for many people, this smell is an annual occurrence. During the summer months, furnaces typically sit unused. In many homes, particularly homes with pets and families, dust will begin to build up in the furnace. Once autumn rolls around and the furnace kicks in, all that dust gets burned away. Unless the furnace has been cleaned before getting turned on, you can expect to smell a funky, burnt dust smell for a few minutes the first time you run your unit.
Why does my furnace smell like plastic?
Another possible cause of a burning plastic smell involves frayed or poorly connected wires in your furnace. Either of these issues can cause short fuses, damage other furnace components, or even cause electrical fires. If you smell burning plastic, turn your furnace off immediately and call a furnace repair technician!
What does it mean when you smell sulfur?
This one is pretty straightforward: if you smell sulfur or rotten egg odor coming from your furnace or vents, you may have a natural gas issue. Regardless of whether the smell comes from your vents or from the furnace itself, shut the unit off immediately. Leave your home as quickly as you can, making sure to turn the gas off on the way out if possible. Call your gas company — they will be able to safely shut the gas off to your home so that a technician can diagnose the issue.
Why does my gas leak?
Natural gas leaks can be the result of a cracked or otherwise damaged heat exchanger or due to issues with the gas line itself. In either case, don’t try to diagnose the leak yourself. Trained technicians have the equipment and knowledge to fix whatever’s wrong safely, once the gas has been turned off.
Is it safe to use a furnace with burnt dust?
There is little to no risk of fire or health concerns stemming from burnt dust. However, if the smell bothers you, you may want to book a furnace cleanup or tuning before turning your unit on for the first time. This ought to eliminate or minimize dust smells while also ensuring your furnace is operating safely and efficiently.
Why Does My Furnace Smell Funny?
When your furnace lies dormant for the warm months of spring and summer, it collects dust. When you first fire up the furnace as the weather cools down, this dust will burn off and might cause a slight burning odor throughout your house. This smell is perfectly normal and will disappear as you utilize your furnace in the winter season.
Negative Consequences of an Inadequately Maintained Furnace
If any of the more serious odors explained above aren’t addressed promptly, they could lead to bigger problems in the near or distant future. Taking good care of your furnace helps prevent some of those issues and extends the machine’s life.
Why does my furnace smell like dust?
Most furnace odors fall into three categories: Dusty burning smell: This often indicates that it’s time to change the air filter. The furnace may also have dust settled on the inside. Dust and clean the parts you can reach, then call for service if the burning smell continues.
How to get rid of a furnace smell?
As the homeowner, you can change the filter to help with dusty smells. For most anything else, you should call a heating technician to be safe. Here are the steps to follow: 1 Turn off the furnace. Avoid the temptation to keep the heater unit running while you search for the source. Be safe, turn off the furnace, and then visually inspect for the cause or call a professional. 2 Look for active fire or smoke. Rule out an active emergency and call 9-1-1 if you do find anything dangerous! 3 Inspect for burn damage. After the furnace has been off for a while (so you don’t risk touching hot parts), inspect the equipment and any nearby objects for signs of burning or melting to give you an idea of the location and extent of the damage. 4 Clean the air filter and equipment if you can. Some furnaces are difficult to clean without professional equipment, but you may be able to dust and wipe down some dusty parts. 5 Call a heating repair service for anything beyond normal homeowner maintenance. If it’s not just a dusty air filter, that burning smell is telling you that your furnace has a problem. Call a pro if anything seems less than ideal, or if the smell comes back.
What is the number to call for furnace repair in Chicago?
Furnace Repair in Chicago’s North Shore. For heater help in Chicago’s North Shore, you can call Glenbrook Heating & Air Conditioning at 847-729-0114 for furnace repair, troubleshooting, and HVAC service.
How to stop a furnace from burning?
Here are the steps to follow: Turn off the furnace. Avoid the temptation to keep the heater unit running while you search for the source. Be safe, turn off the furnace, and then visually inspect for the cause or call a professional. Look for active fire or smoke.
What does it mean when your furnace smells like rotten eggs?
Gas leak (rotten egg smell): That sulfuric smell is added to gas to alert you. Shut off the furnace immediately and call for service. A professional can diagnose the problem, which may be a cracked part or a failing pilot light or ignitor.
Can you clean a furnace without a filter?
Some furnaces are difficult to clean without professional equipment, but you may be able to dust and wipe down some dusty parts. Call a heating repair service for anything beyond normal homeowner maintenance. If it’s not just a dusty air filter, that burning smell is telling you that your furnace has a problem.
Why does my furnace smell?
2. Damp. If your furnace sits in a damp part of your house, this moisture may settle on the unit. When the furnace turns on and gets hot, this dampness begins to burn off which can create a smell of dampness throughout your home. Luckily, this odor should resolve itself as the furnace continues to run.
What does an old furnace filter smell like?
An old furnace filter may smell somewhat like motor oil. However, you should be aware that if changing the filter does not get rid of the smell, the unit could have a serious oil leak, which requires professional attention.
Why does natural gas smell like rotten eggs?
Natural gas used for heating is treated with sulphur to give it its distinct rotten egg smell. This odor is intended to alert homeowners to potential gas leaks as soon as possible. If you smell sulphur, leave the area and call an HVAC technician as well as your gas company.
How do you know if your furnace is obstructed?
If your furnace becomes obstructed in any way, one of the first signs that you're likely to notice is a change in air smell. The type of obstruction determines the resulting odor. For example, a blocked chimney may make your furnace smell like it's smoking, while a pest struck in the system would smell like decay.
What happens when you turn on your furnace?
When you switch on your furnace, you expect a gust of heated air to immediately begin regulating your home's indoor temperature. What you may not be expecting is the range of strange smells that waft in as your furnace runs.
Why do furnaces have filters?
Furnaces are fitted with internal filters that help regulate the air quality in your home. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt and debris. Not only can a blocked air filter affect the efficiency of your furnace, but you may also smell the obstruction as well.
Can a furnace last longer than a furnace?
Your furnace as a unit may last for significantly longer than some of its individual components. For example, many furnaces suffer cracked heat exchangers. When a heat exchanger becomes damaged, the gap releases a chemical smell that can resemble formaldehyde. Have the heat exchanger replaced right away since this issue can lead to furnace inefficiency, fires and carbon monoxide problems.
Why does my furnace smell?
When you start up your furnace in the fall, you may notice that the furnace smells. Generally, it means you have some mold growing in your ductwork or on the air conditioning coil mounted above your furnace. Unfortunately, you’re going to have to bring in a furnace technician for an inspection and cleaning.
Why does my furnace smell like plastic?
Furnace smells like burning plastic. If your furnace smells like burning plastic, shut off the furnace and get a furnace technician out to service it immediately. That odor means electrical components and/or wires are getting scorched because of a short or some other malfunction.
What are the most common odors in a furnace?
Here are the four most common odors and what you should do about them. 1. Musty furnace smells. Burdun Iliya/Shutterstock. When you start up your furnace in the fall, you may notice that the furnace smells.
How long does a furnace last?
You can expect a modern furnace to last 15 to 20 years. If you have expensive repairs to make toward the end of your furnace’s lifetime, it may be worth just retiring the furnace and replacing it. The rule of thumb is this: If a repair costs more than 20 percent of the cost of a new unit, you’re smart to replace it rather than fixing it.
Why does my furnace smell musty?
Musty odors can manifest themselves from dark and damp environments, especially after long periods of inactivity. Clogged or otherwise unchanged air filters can also cause your furnace to smell musty. Just like the burning dust odor, running your furnace for a few heating cycles will dry up any dampness and eliminate musty odors.
What happens if you smell a metallic smell coming from your furnace?
If you smell any metallic odors coming from your furnace, shut the unit down and have your HVAC technician search for any issues that could cause overheating. Operating your furnace in this condition could lead to further electrical damage and the risk of electrical shock.
What are the most common odors in a furnace?
The following identifies seven of the most common odors you may encounter as you operate your furnace this season. 1. Burnt Dust. As you settle in for a spectacular fall in the Treasure Valley, chances are you’re starting your furnace for the first time in months. But just as unused items can gather dust in your home, ...
What to do if furnace gas leaks?
If your furnace is the source of the gas leak, contact an HVAC professional and have them repair or replace your unit.
What causes carbon monoxide in a furnace?
4. Noxious Fumes. A partially or completely blocked exhaust chimney can redirect noxious exhaust odors back into your home. Chimney blockages can also cause carbon monoxide buildup inside your home, so have your furnace’s exhaust system thoroughly checked and clear all obstructions as soon as possible.
Can you vacuum a furnace?
You can dust and vacuum your furnace to remove some surface dust and minimize burning odors, but not much else needs to be done. 2. Musty Odors. Your furnace can also give off musty odors upon startup, especially if your furnace shares the same air handler as your split air conditioning system.
Can a furnace smell?
When you use your furnace, the last thing you expect is for your nose to be treated to a variety of strange smells. Unfortunately, your furnace can produce odd odors — some of which are relatively harmless, but others could indicate an ongoing safety hazard and the need for immediate HVAC service.
Why does my furnace smell like it's burning?
A dusty, burning smell coming from your furnace is quite common, early in the heating season The smell usually results from your furnace burning away dust and dirt that has accumulated during the offseason. You shouldn’t be having this problem at this point. But one other thing to try is replacing your air filter (which you should do at the beginning of the season anyway) before you call your heating oil service contractor for service. Read more about your furnace air filter further on.
What does it mean when your heating system smells?
Mechanical smells. Worn out rubber and grinding metal parts produce a similar odor to electrical overheating (imagine the smell the wheels make when a train brakes). These smells can indicate a serious problem that needs immediate attention; shut your heating system down and call a heating oil expert right away.
Why does my oil burner smell so bad?
If a fireplace or exhaust fan is running at the same time as your oil burner, this can result in a smoky odor because a backdraft is pulling flue gases through the exhaust system and into the home.
Why does my furnace shut down?
If your air filter gets clogged with dust and other debris, there is less room for air to flow through your system and through your home. Your furnace will need to work harder to circulate air, which will result in an increase in your heating bills. Your home will become less comfortable and the indoor air quality will degrade. If neglected for too long, a dirty air filter can result in your furnace shutting down. Keep these tips in mind.
Why does my car smell like oil?
An oil smell could be caused by a leak, burner troubles, a heat exchanger failure or exhaust system problems. You should schedule service as soon as possible to correct this situation.
Where are furnace filters located?
Filters are located either inside the furnace or inside the return air vent.
