Furnace Smells You Never Want to Ignore
Your furnace and AC are vital units that help keep your indoor temperature comfortable in the cold and hot seasons. While a good unit can run for years with minimal problems, some systems start to emit unusual odors after some time, signifying performance issues. Never ignore any furnace or AC odors, however mild they might be. Negligence can lead to extensive damage. Here are some common furnace and AC odors and what they indicate.
1. Burning dust smell
If you notice a dusty smell once you turn on your system at the beginning of the season, it could be due to dust accumulation in the dormant months. As the furnace ignites, it burns off the dust particles. This smell should dissipate within a short time. If it persists, it could be due to dirty air filters. In such situations, call a professional HVAC technician to change, and clean the filters.
2. Electrical odors
Your cooling and heating system may produce a burning smell due to frayed wiring, melting plastic components, or an overheating motor. Turn off power from the breaker box, leave the house, and call professionals like the Ultimate Pro Heating & Cooling to fix the issue.
3. Rotten egg smell
A pungent rotten egg smell from your heating and cooling system signifies a gas leak. Manufacturers add this smell to natural gas to alert you in case of a leak. Exposure to natural gas can cause dizziness, eye and skin irritation, and breathing issues. When you notice a gas leak, shut off the primary gas source, leave the house and call a technician to diagnose and fix the issue.
4. Moldy smell
A musty smell is very common in AC units. As the air conditioner runs, it produces condensation that is drained through the drain pan to the outdoors. If the moisture fails to drain correctly, it can accumulate within the unit, creating perfect conditions for mold and mildew growth. When you turn on the unit, it begins to recirculate musty odors. Exposure to mold spores increases the risk of respiratory illnesses and triggers allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks. To avoid such issues, call a professional to clear clogged condensate drains and clean the air ducts to restore your indoor air quality.
5. Rotting carcass smell
Sometimes, critters can get trapped in the air duct system, die, and decompose. Once you turn on your heating and cooling system, it begins to recirculate a stinky smell. Turn off the unit, ventilate the house, and then call an HVAC technician to remove the dead animal and clean the ducts.
6. Exhaust smell
An exhaust fume smell from your AC or furnace indicates fluid leaks. Burning oil and other fluids in the heating and cooling system can produce hazardous gases that are toxic to human health and the environment. Contact a professional immediately to diagnose and fix the issue.
If your heating or cooling system emits unusual smells, this signifies larger underlying issues that need immediate attention. For more information on how to spot various heating and cooling system issues, follow TheHomeMag on Instagram and Facebook.
