You may be clued into many furnace problems by telltale signs of strange noises from the air vents or even unusually high heating bills. However, if your furnace is emitting foul smells and odors, you may be wondering exactly why. Use these tips to help you identify common furnace smell and odors, and what to do about it.
Egg Smell
Natural gas, in its normal state, is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Since a natural gas leak can be very dangerous to the health and well being of people when a furnace malfunction occurs, utility companies add mercaptan to natural gas so that it gives off a detectable odor. So, if you smell the telltale sign of mercaptan — rotten eggs — exit your home and call the fire department right away.
Chemical Smell
A cracked heat exchanger is another dangerous furnace malfunction, which emits harmful gases into the air ducts. A chemical smell or formaldehyde scent is often an indicator of a cracked heat exchanger. Turn off your furnace and contact your HVAC technician for service.
Burnt Smell
A burnt smell could be the result of an overheated blower motor. It may also indicate something as simple as dirty ducts. If the burnt smell lingers for a few days or it’s accompanied by unusual grinding noises, call your HVAC tech to take a look at the blower motor and other furnace components.
Musty Smell
A musty smell from your furnace or heat pump could occur any time of year. Mold development on the evaporator coil and fins on your heating and cooling system is usually the cause. Clean the coil and fins with a disinfecting coil cleaner, which you may pick up at your home store. Or, better yet, call your HVAC technician for an HVAC tuneup. You’re sure to get rid of that furnace smell and enjoy greater energy savings.
At Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company, we strive to provide our Yuma area customers the very best of customer service, HVAC repairs and installation. If you have questions about your heat pump or furnace smell, give us a call today!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace smells and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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