Questioning The Odors? How Your Nose Can Identify Furnace Problems

When you turn your furnace on for the first time each season, it's not uncommon to get a dirty odor through your house. That odor is the smell of dirt and dust burning. That can happen when too much dirt and dust build-up on the furnace during the warmer months. That dirty odor usually goes away in a few minutes. If you're smelling other odors coming from your furnace, you may have a problem. This is especially true if the odor causes you to question the source. If you're asking the following questions about the odors coming from your furnace, it's time to call your HVAC contractor. Your furnace may be in immediate need of repairs. 

Is Plastic Melting Somewhere? 

If your house smells like burning plastic when you turn the furnace on, it's time to call your HVAC contractor. Furnaces contain several plastic components. Those components wear out over time. When they do, they can melt, which is where the odor comes from. One furnace component you need to worry about is the plastic circuit board. If the circuit board malfunctions, you need to have it replaced right away. To avoid serious problems, always call for repairs when your furnace smells like burning plastic. 

Is Something Electrical Burning? 

If you start noticing an electrical odor when you turn your furnace on, take the problem seriously. Electrical odors are never a good sign, especially when they come from your furnace. The electrical burning odor is a sign that the electrical wiring on your furnace is overheating. If that's the case, you're at risk for electrical fires and short circuits. As soon as you notice a burning electrical odor from your furnace, turn the system off and call for furnace repairs right away. 

Where's the Mold Smell Coming From? 

If you question where the moldy odor is coming from every time you turn your furnace on, call for repairs. Moldy odors can pop up when the air is particularly humid. But, the problem can also pop up when there's an issue inside your furnace and ducts. If you get a strong whiff of mold whenever the furnace is on, contact your HVAC contractor. You need to have your furnace and ducts inspected. 

Why Does the House Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

If you got hit with rotten egg odor when you turned your furnace on, take action right away. That rotten egg odor is the sign of a gas leak. Turn your furnace off immediately and open the windows in your home. Call for immediate repairs. Let your HVAC contractor know that your furnace smells like rotten eggs.