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Here’s what you should know when your furnace begins to smell

As part of our heating maintenance service in Chicago, our technicians clean out the inside of dirty furnaces like this one.

Do you ever come home and notice a strange odor coming from your furnace? Or, have you noticed that your furnace isn’t working as well as it used to? If so, then it’s time to take a closer look at your furnace. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what could be causing your furnace to smell and how you can fix the problem. Keep reading to learn more!

1. If your furnace smells like burning, it could be due to dust on the elements

2. If your furnace smells musty, it could be because of a dirty filter

3. If your furnace smells like rotten eggs, there could be a gas leak

4. You should always call a professional if you’re not sure what’s causing the smell

Furnace smells like burning

If the burning smell from your furnace persists beyond a few hours or starts to worsen, it may indicate a buildup of other materials, such as lint or pet hair, which can accumulate on furnace components like the blower motor, heat exchanger, or burners. This buildup can create hot spots within the furnace, straining components and potentially leading to overheating or even cracking.

Regular furnace maintenance, including cleaning and inspecting for debris buildup, is a vital step in preventing these issues. A professional technician can perform a thorough cleaning and check for signs of wear and tear, ensuring the system is clear of any obstructions that may ignite unexpectedly. Additionally, if you notice any unusual sounds, like buzzing or rattling, alongside the burning smell, this could indicate a more serious problem with the furnace’s mechanical parts, such as a faulty blower or fan.

Addressing these issues early on can help avoid costly repairs and improve the furnace’s efficiency throughout the colder months. Don’t wait if you have concerns—schedule an inspection to ensure your furnace operates safely and reliably.

A HEPA-filter-for an HVAC system.

Musty furnace odors

When your furnace starts to smell musty, an obvious culprit is a dirty filter. Dust and pet dander can accumulate in the air filter and prevent air from flowing freely through the system. Not only will this make your home smell unpleasant, but it can also lead to decreased energy efficiency and strain on your HVAC system. It’s important to regularly check your furnace’s filter and swap out old enough units with new ones.

In addition to a dirty filter, other factors can contribute to a musty odor emanating from your furnace. For instance, poor ventilation in your home can trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth within the HVAC system. Leaky ducts or improperly sealed vents can allow humid air to enter the system, exacerbating the problem. Ensuring that your home is well-ventilated and that all ductwork is properly sealed can help mitigate moisture buildup.

Common Causes of Musty Furnace Odors:

      • Dirty Air Filters: Accumulation of dust, pet dander, and other particles.
      • Moisture in the System: Leads to mold and mildew growth within ducts.
      • Leaky Ductwork: Allows humid air to enter, increasing moisture levels.
      • Organic Material in Ducts: Leaves, insects, and other debris can decompose and emit odors.
      • Humidifier Issues: Excess moisture from malfunctioning humidifiers can promote mold growth.

Another potential source of musty smells is the accumulation of organic material, such as leaves or insects, within the ductwork. Over time, these materials can decompose, releasing unpleasant odors and potentially clogging the system. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your ducts can prevent such buildup and maintain optimal airflow.

Moreover, the presence of a humidifier attached to your furnace can sometimes lead to excess moisture if not properly maintained. If your home uses a whole-house humidifier, ensure that it is serviced regularly to prevent water leaks or improper humidity levels, which can promote mold growth.

Steps to Address Musty Furnace Odors:

  1. Replace or Clean Air Filters: Check filters monthly and replace them as needed.
  2. Inspect Ductwork: Look for leaks or gaps and seal them to prevent moisture intrusion.
  3. Clean Ducts Regularly: Remove any organic debris and sanitize the ducts to eliminate mold and bacteria.
  4. Maintain Humidifiers: Service humidifiers regularly to ensure they are not contributing to excess moisture.
  5. Improve Home Ventilation: Use exhaust fans and dehumidifiers to reduce indoor humidity levels.
  6. Install HEPA Filters: Upgrade to high-efficiency filters to capture smaller particles, including mold spores.

If you have swapped out your air filter and continue to smell a musty odor, contact a professional to inspect your system and sanitize your ductwork. Professional HVAC technicians can perform a comprehensive evaluation, identifying hidden sources of moisture and contamination. They may use specialized cleaning solutions or equipment to thoroughly disinfect the ducts, eliminating mold spores and bacteria.

Additionally, consider installing a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your system. HEPA filters are more effective at capturing smaller particles, including mold spores and allergens, which can help reduce musty odors and improve indoor air quality. Regular maintenance, including filter replacement, duct cleaning, and system inspections, is essential for preventing musty smells and ensuring your furnace operates efficiently and safely.

By staying proactive with your HVAC maintenance and addressing any issues promptly, you can maintain a fresh and healthy indoor environment while extending the lifespan of your furnace.

Furnace-Maintenance-Call-in-Chicago

Furnace gas leaks

A gas leak can be one of the most dangerous things that can occur in your home. If you smell sulfur “rotten egg odor,” take it seriously and take immediate action! First, turn off the furnace and all other appliances that use gas in the home. Then, leave the house immediately to an uncontaminated area until you contact a certified technician or emergency services to assess and repair the problem. Don’t try to detect or fix a suspected gas leak yourself, as undetected gas can lead to serious injury or even death. Staying safe is always important when dealing with any sort of hazardous situation.

Additional Safety Measures and Precautions:

1. Recognize the Signs of a Gas Leak:

    • Odor: The distinct rotten egg smell is the most common indicator.
    • Sound: Listen for a hissing or whistling noise near gas lines or appliances.
    • Physical Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing can result from gas exposure.
    • Visual Indicators: Dead or discolored vegetation near gas lines can signal a leak.

2. Immediate Actions to Take:

    • Do Not Use Electrical Devices: Avoid turning on or off any electrical switches, as sparks can ignite the gas.
    • Avoid Flames: Do not light matches, lighters, or use any open flames.
    • Ventilate if Safe: If the odor is faint and you can safely do so, open windows and doors to disperse the gas, but only if there is no immediate danger to evacuate.
    • Do Not Use Phones Indoors: Except for emergency calls, avoid using phones near the suspected leak to prevent sparks.

3. After Evacuating:

    • Contact Professionals: Call your gas company or emergency services from a safe location. They have the tools and expertise to handle gas leaks safely.
    • Inform Occupants: Ensure that everyone in the household is aware of the situation and stays clear of the affected area until it is declared safe.

4. Preventative Measures:

    • Regular Inspections: Schedule annual inspections of your gas appliances, furnace, water heater, and gas lines to detect leaks early.
    • Install Gas Detectors: Place gas detectors near potential leak sources to provide early warnings.
    • Maintain Appliances: Ensure that all gas-powered appliances are properly maintained and functioning correctly to minimize the risk of leaks.

5. Educate Your Household:

    • Emergency Plan: Develop and practice an emergency evacuation plan with all family members.
    • Know the Shut-Off Valve: Ensure that everyone knows how to quickly turn off the main gas supply if a leak is detected.

6. Professional Response:

    • Certified Technicians: Only allow licensed professionals to inspect and repair gas systems.
    • Comprehensive Assessment: Professionals will check for leaks using specialized equipment, repair any damaged components, and ensure that your gas system is safe to use.

By understanding the risks associated with gas leaks and knowing the proper steps to take, you can significantly reduce the danger posed by such incidents. Regular maintenance, vigilance, and preparedness are key to ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones.

Call in a professional

If something in your home is emitting an unpleasant smell, you should never try to diagnose and fix the problem yourself – always call a professional. Even if you suspect what’s causing the odor, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A qualified technician will be able to pinpoint the source of the smell and suggest solutions that can get rid of it for good. After all, attempting to do it on your own could result in further damage and costly repairs. Investing in the skills of a professional can lead to lasting peace of mind and having a safe, odor-free space to live in.

How King can help identify your furnace odors

As you can see, there are a few different possibilities when it comes to what might be causing your furnace to smell bad. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to call King Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We can take a look and let you know for sure what the problem is. In the meantime, we hope this article has helped shed some light on the subject!