Don’t Ignore These Furnace Smells | Signs You Need Furnace Repair

Even if you properly maintain your furnace, you still should have it inspected and given a good check annually. This allows you to have a safe, efficient, and comfortable furnace for your home environment. However, what if you start noticing new developments that have occurred? Ones that start drawing the attention of your nose in particular. In this article, we’ll help break down the new smells your furnace emits, why it is causing them, and what you can do about it. By the end of this article, you will be better informed and prepared on what your furnace will need and what you can do about it. We can’t overstate the importance of furnace repair for Seattle, WA, residents so let’s dive into it!

You Need Furnace Repair if You Smell a Burning Or Electrical Smell

What is the Cause of that Burning Smell?

Suppose your furnace smells like it is burning. It might be a harmless issue like dust burnoff. Dust burnoff is where dust has settled on the furnace components and burns off, creating a temporary burning odor. Another issue could be a clogged air filter. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to overheat, producing a burning smell. Another issue could be an electrical issue, which could indicate problems with the blower motor or other electrical components. The burning smell comes from the burning wires or the overheated motor itself. Other issues could be foreign items like paper, leaves, or even small animals that have come in contact with the heat.

It becomes a major issue when your furnace’s burning smell comes from burning oil that has leaked. It could potentially be from a malfunctioning burner or an improper combustion. Whatever the problem is, it needs to be repaired immediately. If the dust burnoff smell seems to be lingering and overstaying its welcome, this could be due to a more serious issue, like a clogged filter that has not been maintained properly.

What You Can Do About it

If the burning smell does not disappear, these issues should be resolved soon. Dust burnoff could go away if you open the windows and allow some air to flow in. Try and always check the filters to see if they need to be replaced. If you continue to smell the strong burning odors that smell like electrical wires burning, turn your furnace off immediately. If you notice debris, cautiously try to remove it. You must deal with the problem without knowing what you are doing. This could harm you in the long run if you’re not careful. If you don’t know how to fix them, you should consult an HVAC professional to help you. They’ll have the knowledge and tools necessary to fix your furnace.

Get a Furnace Repair Professional if You Smell Something Like Rotten Eggs

What is Causing that Sulphuric Smell?

If you notice a strong rotten egg odor coming from your furnace, this is a warning sign that should never be ignored. A natural gas leak often causes that distinctive sulfuric smell. While natural gas is odorless, utility companies add a harmless chemical called mercaptan to give it a noticeable scent for safety reasons. A gas leak can be extremely dangerous, as exposure to high concentrations can lead to dizziness, nausea, or even carbon monoxide poisoning. More importantly, a leak poses a serious fire and explosion hazard if not addressed immediately. In some cases, a minor leak may result from a loose connection in your gas line, but it could also be due to a cracked heat exchanger, a major issue requiring professional repair.

How a Professional Can Help You

If you detect a rotten egg smell in your home, you should first turn off your furnace and leave the house immediately. Avoid turning on electrical appliances, flipping light switches, or using your phone near the suspected leak, as even a small spark could ignite the gas. Once safe, contact your gas company to report the issue and have them shut off the gas supply if necessary. From there, an HVAC professional will need to inspect your furnace and determine the source of the leak. Whether it’s a faulty gas valve, a damaged heat exchanger, or another issue, they will have the tools and expertise to make the necessary repairs safely. Regular furnace maintenance and inspections can also help prevent gas leaks before they become a major safety risk, ensuring your home remains safe and warm throughout the colder months.

A Chemical or Metallic Smell is a Definite Sign You Need Furnace Repair

What is the Smell and What Does it Mean?

A strong chemical or metallic smell coming from your furnace is another clear indicator that something is wrong. If the odor is similar to formaldehyde or burning plastic, it could be a sign that your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the combustion process to the air circulating through your home. When damaged, it can release dangerous fumes, including carbon monoxide, into your living space. This is a serious problem that can pose severe health risks, including headaches, dizziness, and prolonged exposure could even be fatal. A metallic or overheating smell could also be caused by worn-out furnace components, such as overheating wires, a failing blower motor, or melting insulation around electrical components.

What Kind of Repair is Necessary to Fix the Problem?

If you detect a chemical or metallic odor, it’s best to turn off your furnace immediately and call an HVAC professional. A technician will inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, test the carbon monoxide levels in your home, and check for any damaged electrical components. If the heat exchanger is compromised, the safest solution is often to replace it entirely, as continued operation could result in dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. If the issue is due to overheating components, your technician may replace worn-out parts, lubricate moving parts, and ensure proper airflow to prevent further overheating. Investing in routine maintenance and inspections can help catch these issues early, preventing costly repairs and ensuring your furnace runs safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

A malfunctioning or smelly furnace is a problem you should not overlook. If you aren’t confident enough or knowledgeable about how to deal with your furnace issue, you shouldn’t wait for it to go away if it’s been smelling for a long time. It is best to go with a professional who can help you out. With this article, we hope we’ve succeeded in providing you with enough information and advice on how to deal with your smelly furnace and what to expect in the future. With this knowledge, you’ll feel more confident about the cause.

However, if your confidence in what to do and resolving it falls short, we can help you! We at Seattle Cooling and Heating are professionals in furnace repair. Using years of knowledge and experience, we can easily repair your furnace. With the proper equipment to do the job, you can trust that we’ll always send a certified and knowledgeable HVAC professional to help you. Interested in having us make your safety our top priority? You can contact us today, and we’ll be able to get back to you ASAP!