Faulty Furnace Smells – Bruce’s Air Conditioning

With winter in full swing, many homeowners are firing up their furnaces. While a properly functioning furnace should operate without any noticeable odors, unusual smells can occur. These smells might be harmless, or they could indicate a more serious issue that needs to be addressed. Let’s explore some common furnace odors, what they might mean, and how to address them.

Dusty or Musty Smell

This is often the most common smell when you first turn on your furnace for the season. It’s usually caused by dust and debris that have accumulated in the furnace or ductwork over the summer months. This smell should dissipate within a few hours. If it persists, change your air filter and consider having your ducts professionally cleaned.

Burning Smell

A brief burning smell when you first start your furnace is normal and usually caused by dust burning off the heat exchanger. However, if the smell persists, it could indicate an overheating motor, frayed wiring, or a clogged filter. If the smell doesn’t go away after a few hours, turn off your furnace immediately and call your local professional HVAC technician.

Rotten Egg Smell

This is one of the most dangerous smells and likely indicates a gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a distinctive smell for safety reasons. If you smell rotten eggs, immediately turn off the gas supply, evacuate your home, and call your gas company or emergency services.

Electrical or Metallic Smell

This could indicate an overheating motor or frayed wiring. It might also mean that the heat exchanger is cracked, which is a serious safety hazard. Turn off your furnace immediately and call a professional HVAC technician for inspection and repair.

Chimney-like Smell

This could indicate a backdraft from the chimney, allowing exhaust fumes to enter your home instead of exiting through the flue. This is a potentially dangerous situation as it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Turn off your furnace and call a local HVAC professional immediately.

Moldy or Mildew Smell

This could indicate mold growth in your ductwork or furnace system, often due to excess moisture. Have your ducts inspected and cleaned by a professional. Consider installing a dehumidifier to control moisture levels.

Call Bruce’s for a Free Estimate

Need help with your funky furnace smells? The smart place to start is with your local experts at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating. We have the Valley of the Sun’s top technicians for heating services. Call us today at 480-968-5652 today to schedule your appointment.