A furnace is one of the most effective ways to keep your home warm and comfortable through the colder months. However, as with any heating source, you should take proper precautions to keep your furnace in a safe operating condition. Along with having it regularly inspected and serviced, it’s important to note any strange odors coming from your equipment. This allows homeowners to detect issues early enough to prevent a system breakdown or hazardous situation. Here are a few smells to be aware of and what they could potentially mean.
Furnace Odors You Shouldn’t Ignore
1. Electrical
An electrical smell generally indicates overheating parts within the furnace. Frequently, a faulty blower motor is to blame. When the components get too hot, they can seize up and quit working. In turn, the insulation on the wires will begin to melt and produce a strong odor. This will require the help of an HVAC professional right away to avoid an electrical hazard.
2. Dusty or Burning
When your furnace is first turned on for the season, it’s common for it to emit a dusty or burning odor. Dust will usually build up in the system after months of not being in use. Typically, this will go away after it runs a few times. It can also help to switch out the air filter for a clean one. If you continue to smell it, there could be a bigger problem that your HVAC technician needs to address.
3. Rotten Eggs
The most important smell to pay attention to is rotten eggs. Because natural gas is odorless, an ingredient is added in to give it this scent so homeowners can be alerted to leaking gas. This is an immediate cause for concern, as it means there is a risk of a fire or explosion. In the event you catch the unmistakable odor of rotten eggs, it’s vital to open as many windows as possible, leave your home, and call to report a gas leak.
If you’ve noticed any unusual odors coming from your furnace, reach out to Duncklee Cooling & Heating, Inc. for an accurate diagnosis of the problem. Using their vast industry expertise, they’ll recommend the most suitable solution for getting your equipment running safely and efficiently again. For more than 45 years, they’ve provided the residents of New London County, CT, and Washington County, RI, with high-quality and affordable furnace repairs. Call (860) 535-2552 to request an estimate or visit them online to learn more about their services.
Duncklee Cooling and Heating was originally known as L.H. Duncklee Refrigeration, Inc. Under the leadership and vision of the late founder Les Duncklee, the company was located on the corner of Route 1 and Masons Island Road in Mystic for more than 20 years. Les learned refrigeration in the United States Navy, and with great courage, enthusiasm and perseverance, he took the risk of starting a business while raising his young family in the 1970’s. When Les started the family-owned business in 1973, he was fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to create a business environment founded on professionalism, integrity, high-quality customer service, and fostering employee security. Within one year, he was able to move the business from his home in Pawcatuck to an office building, and hired his first employee. Over the next 40 years, the business experienced many changes, but Les’ vision stayed the same: to provide customers with premier installation design and specialized customer service. Over the years, Les’ leap of faith grew into a successful business that continued to thrive, surpassing his expectations. He was proud of his business and proud of his team. He shared his encouragement and respect on a daily basis both for his team and his son Jonathan, whom he supported when it was time to make changes and help the company grow in new directions. Les regularly inspired and motivated his team to live the American dream.
