As we head into the fall season, it is important to ensure that your furnace is operating as it should be so that you’re not left with a malfunctioning furnace when winter rolls around.
One of the most common furnace problems people seem to have is the odd smells emanating from it. This might indicate that you need furnace repairs or a furnace tune-up.
Burnt Dust Smell
The first time you fire up your furnace after not using it for a while, you’re likely to smell burning dust. This is not a problem as it is normal for the dust to accumulate when not in use. The smell should be gone pretty quickly once the dust has all burned up and your furnace should smell normal afterwards. If you’re really bothered, you can try dusting and vacuuming before starting the furnace up, which should help.
Burnt Plastic Smell
This is worrisome. If you smell burning plastic, you should immediately turn your furnace off and call a technician to come and take a look straight away. This is a strong indicator that you have an electrical problem. You could also be dealing with an overheated furnace or a cracked heat exchanger, which could lead to potentially deadly carbon monoxide spilling into the home.
Gassy Smell
A gas smell when you first ignite the furnace is not a problem and is considered normal. However, if the smell persists, you might be dealing with a gas leak. If this is not dealt with, it could lead to a fire or explosion. You should shut the gas valve off and call in a technician to conduct inspections and repairs immediately.
Musty Smell
If your furnace has been out of use for a while, there is a possibility that mold or mildew has started to grow in the ducts. You should call in a furnace technician to clean out your ducts as mold and mildew can be potentially harmful to your health ‒ aside from the unpleasant smell.
For expert furnace repairs in Dallas or a good furnace tune-up, contact Chapman Air & Heat today so that you’re ready for winter.
