Now is the time of year when you have likely turned on your furnace in Portsmouth, VA, to combat the chilly weather. You expect it to function properly without issue, but you may notice an unusual odor either right away or as time goes on. Below are five typical furnace odors you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Burning Oil
You may smell burning oil your provider spilled some as the tank was filled. This is normal until the oil entirely dissipates, which should take two or three days. However, if the odor doesn’t go away, you may have an oil leak that requires the attention of a licensed HVAC technician.
2. Burning Plastic
If you smell something like burning plastic, you need to turn your furnace off immediately and call an HVAC technician as soon as possible. This odor indicates that wires or other electrical components are scorching due to a malfunction or a short.
3. Dust or Must
Smelling burning dust is normal when you haven’t used your furnace for a while and the dust collected in your unit and air ducts. It burns off eventually, but you can help by wiping your unit down before using it for the first time in the season. A musty smell occurs when you have bacteria growing in your ductwork, in which case it’s time for some routine maintenance.
4. Rotten Eggs
This odor is another sign to turn off your furnace and call a professional immediately. When you smell rotten eggs, you’re smelling the chemical additive that gas companies use to alert people of a natural gas leak impacting your indoor air quality. Natural gas is odorless, colorless, highly flammable and dangerous when inhaled.
Don’t let these odors control your life and your health. Contact Climatemakers today to have our experienced technicians take care of all your heating needs.
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