Common Furnace Odors and What They Mean
Common Furnace Odors and What They Mean in Sunbury, Ohio
There are several indicators that there's something wrong with your furnace, from unusual noises to increasing utility bills. However, one tell-tale sign of an ongoing or impending furnace problem is unusual furnace odors. Some odors may be unpleasant but perfectly normal. Nevertheless, some furnace odors indicate a potential furnace problem.
We Outlined Five Common Furnace Odors and What They Reveal
1. Burnt Dust
Burnt dust is a common furnace odor. The furnace usually produces this smell when it gets turned on for the first time at the beginning of the heating season. Burnt dust odor is normal and nothing to worry about as the heater collects dust over time during the warmer seasons. As the furnace ignites to start warming the house, the dust burns off, traveling through the ductwork and finally into the home. This smell usually fades in a few minutes.
2. Burning Plastic
Burning plastic furnace odor can be quite challenging to identify. It often seems like it's coming from the furnace, but it could indicate there's damage occurring elsewhere, causing the furnace to produce unpleasant odors when turned on. This burning plastic odor usually means there's something wrong with your heater, and components are overheating.
3. Rotten Eggs
If the furnace smells like rotten eggs, then there's a significant gas leak. Whether the smell emanates from the furnace itself or vents, turn the unit and the gas supply off immediately. Then contact the gas company- they'll safely turn the gas off so that an HVAC specialist can diagnose the problem.
4. Musty Smell
Musty furnace smell indicates that mold and mildew have probably grown in the ductwork or on the AC coil mounted above the furnace. Professional duct cleaning services can help alleviate this problem.
5. Sweaty Feet
The smell of sweaty feet is unpleasant, especially when it circulates throughout the home. When the furnace coils cycle between heating and cooling, condensation occurs, encouraging bacteria to grow. Over time, bacteria accumulate in the system and cause this odor. Professional maintenance services should fix this problem. Also, it's essential to change the air filter regularly.
Whenever you notice any of these furnace smells, we suggest you contact an HVAC professional immediately. Wise Heating and Cooling has been serving the Galena and Sunbury community for decades and we can quickly diagnose the furnace smells and get the heating unit back in action safely and promptly.