What’s Making My Furnace Smelly in Mechanicsville, MD?

Your furnace may smell faintly dusty when you turn it on, but if the smell lingers or has an unusual odor, you might have malfunctioning equipment in Mechanicsville, MD. Each smell has a different cause, helping you trace the odor back to its source.

Burning Oil

It’s normal for furnaces to give off a faint burning odor after months of inactivity, but it shouldn’t last for more than a few minutes. Check the furnace to see if an object fell into the pilot light, causing it to melt and produce smoke.

If you have an oil furnace, look for oil leaks. It’s also possible that your furnace isn’t burning all the oil in the system. The oil becomes a fog that could catch on fire.

Gas or Rotten Eggs

Since gas has no odor, gas companies add a chemical that produces a sulfur-like scent. When you detect this scent in your house, your furnace might be leaking gas. Your carbon monoxide detector may keep going off and you might also experience flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness and vomiting.

If possible, turn off the furnace and gas supply valve, then call an HVAC professional right away. Carbon monoxide leaks can cause serious illnesses and even death.

Dirty Socks

Condensation builds on your unit when the temperature drops. Over time, bacteria can grow, creating a distinct “dirty socks” odor. Fortunately, you can avoid this situation with regular cleanings and maintenance visits.

Ozone or Burning Plastic

A damaged blower motor needs more power to operate, making it more likely to overheat and produce an electrical or “burning plastic” smell. Your furnace could also have faulty wiring or broken safety features that normally prevent overheating.

A strange smell could quickly become a dangerous hazard. Set up an appointment with Hancock Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning for expert furnace repair.

Image provided by iStock