Uh-oh. Can you smell that? Is it your furnace? We tend to talk a lot about the noises that heating systems and air conditioners might make when something is wrong. While sounds are one of the most common indicators of a problem with a mechanical or electrical system, smells can occur as well!
It might seem like an extremely serious issue if you turn on your heat and immediately notice an odor. Do all heating system odors require urgent repair? Actually, sometimes it’s very serious, and sometimes it’s not at all. How can you tell why your furnace is making a strange smell, and what should be done about it? Here’s the rundown. When you need furnace repair in Fort Walton Beach, FL, or you just want to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, we’re here to help.
Hot Dust
Did you have routine annual maintenance done before turning your heat on for the first time when the weather got chilly? If so, your technician meticulously cleaned all the components, and the furnace will no longer be full of dust. If not, you’ll notice a smell of scorched dust as soon as you use your heat! This is not a serious issue, but it is a reminder that you need to schedule maintenance.
Overheating Components
If the odor doesn’t dissipate with some open windows, or you notice that it smells like something more acrid—say, melting plastic or hot metal—you may have an actual repair need on your hands. When components start to overheat, they can make quite a stink about it. First, check your air filter, because when that’s clogged, the reduced airflow can lead to overheating. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, you do need repair.
Electrical Fire
If that odor is particularly harsh or is combined with other signs of trouble such as soot, smoke, sparks, or any sounds like clicking, snapping, or buzzing, your issue is electrical and could be very serious. Another possible sign is a fishy smell, which electrical fires can sometimes emit. Any of these indicate that it’s time to turn your heat off entirely.
It’s simply not worth risking electrical fire. What you need is emergency furnace repair. Do not turn your heat back on until after a qualified professional has fixed your problem and given you the go-ahead.
Gas Leak
Does it smell like mercaptan? That’s an additive, specially created to cause an unpleasant odor, because natural gas doesn’t smell like anything. Mercaptan makes a gas leak smell as though someone has been boiling a lot of eggs in your house—possibly rotten ones. Gas leaks are serious emergencies!
If you know how to shut off the gas in your home, do that quickly. If you’re uncertain, or it might take a few minutes to figure out, don’t risk it. Gather your family members and pets and get at least 300 feet from the house before you call your gas company’s emergency number or 911 to keep your loved ones safe
For professional heating system maintenance and repair, look no further than Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. Contact us today!