When functioning properly, your furnace will rarely give off any type of odor. If you have a noticeable smell in your Hampton, Virginia, home, you need to troubleshoot the issue as quickly as possible. Some furnace odors indicate a serious problem. Take a moment to review these warning signs:
Burning Smells
There are two types of burning smells associated with your furnace. The first is the smell of burning dust. You’ll typically encounter this smell when you turn your system on for the first time during the heating season. This odor isn’t something to worry about. The system is simply burning away accumulated dust from months of disuse. The smell will pass quickly.
If you notice a chemical burning odor, such as hot wires, you have a more serious problem. Turn off your furnace. Call our service technicians immediately to track down the source of the smell.
Chemical Odors
Chemical odors coming from your furnace will usually smell sharp and sour-like formaldehyde. This smell comes from a cracked heat exchanger. Schedule a furnace repair as soon as possible. As a result, you’ll prevent further damage to your system and more costly repairs.
Rotten Egg Smell
A sulfuric smell like rotten eggs comes from natural gas. Gas is odorless and invisible on its own. But gas companies add chemicals that’ll give off this unpleasant odor so you’ll know when there’s a leak. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off your furnace, leave the home and contact your gas company immediately.
Musty Odors
Does your home smell musty? This type of odor can indicate that you have condensation in the system that’s leading to biological growth. Change your filter first. If the problem persists, contact our repair service technicians.
Most furnace smells require the help of a professional for a safe solution. If you have an unusual odor in your home, reach out to our service technicians now. Contact Kearney & Sons at (757) 269-9589 for all your furnace repair needs.
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