Reasons Your Heater Has a Strange Smell

In an ideal world, your furnace wouldn’t emit any smells while it’s running. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. From nasty musty aromas to scary burning odors, furnaces can put out all sorts of smells that require professional attention. This post will cover the most common causes of a heater smell in Mabank, TX:

• Damaged components: Furnaces as a whole tend to last longer than their individual components, which can start to malfunction after a few short years. If a heat exchanger cracks, the furnace may emit a chemical odor that smells like formaldehyde. Though we can’t prevent components from breaking or cracking, a routine inspection can identify potential problems before they occur.
• Dampness: If your furnace sits in a damp basement or garage, you may notice a musty smell when you first turn it on for the season. This is due to all of the surrounding moisture that’s settled into the unit. This odor should resolve itself as the furnace continues to run and the area dries out.
• Mold: If the moisture doesn’t dry out, you may have to deal with a moldy smell coming from your furnace. Unlike the dampness mentioned above, this moldy, earthy smell may not go away as easily. If your furnace has been running for a few days and the problem persists, you may need to call a professional for a thorough cleaning.
• Excess dust: Your furnace will likely collect a lot of dust during the summer months when it’s not in use. When you turn your heater on for the first time in the season, that dust will start to burn off and you may smell it throughout your home for a little while. You can prevent this furnace odor in Mabank, TX by having your unit professionally cleaned and tuned up before running it each fall.
• Gas leaks: Heaters that are powered by natural gas pose a significant threat if there’s a leak, as natural gas can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell rotten eggs while your furnace is running, get out of the house and call an HVAC technician to make an emergency repair.
• Intake contamination: Many furnaces have a fresh air intake system that brings outside air into the home. As you can imagine, any weird smell or contamination that’s outside can create a heater smell in Mabank, TX indoors. To eliminate this possibility, keep the fresh air intake vents free from any debris.
• Old filters: Air filters are responsible for keeping the air free from dust, pollen and other contaminants or allergens. Though it varies from house to house, these filters should be changed every 30 to 60 days. Older, dirtier filters don’t work nearly as well, and they can lead to a motor oil smell throughout your home.

If you’ve noticed any sort of furnace odor in Mabank, TX, be sure to call our specialists at Ken’s Comfort Zone Air Conditioning for heater repairs. Regardless of the severity, we can address any issue with your furnace to ensure the comfort and safety of you and your family.

Categorised in: Air Quality

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