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Some smells are expected when you first operate your heater. For example, your furnace will emit a pungent smell when the inner protective oil coating burns off. However, your heater could be defective if these smells linger after continued use. If this is the case, timely attention by a furnace contractor is crucial. The residential furnace repair expert will inspect your system to spot the cause of the smell and remedy it for peak functionality. Below are furnace smells that call for expert help. 

Burning Smell

Turning on the furnace after a period of inactivity may give off a burning smell. In most cases, this is due to the dust that collects in the components, which burns off, and produces a burning smell. However, if this smell persists, your unit could be overheating. In addition, an electrical malfunction may cause the plastic casing to melt and emit a burning plastic smell. If you notice such persistent burning smells, you must clean your unit. You also want to ensure a secure and safe electrical connection for proper current flow.

Musty Smells

When water seeps into the furnace, you may notice a musty smell from the vents. This is due to clogged filters which impede airflow into the furnace. As a result, moisture will settle in your return air ducts, causing mildew to grow. Moreover, moisture may infiltrate the ducts due to the unit's dormancy, leading to a damp environment that supports mold growth. If this is the case with your heating system, it is imperative to clean your filters and ducts. Moreover, you can use treatments or install purifier systems to neutralize mold in the system.

Oil Smells

If you operate an oil-powered furnace, it may emit foul smells now and then. However, if the oil feed line ruptures, it may produce a leak that gives off a persistent oil smell. Since oil smells can be nauseating, you should engage a furnace repairer to address them promptly. More importantly, oil can pose a fire hazard, and timely attention in case of a worn-out oil feed line is crucial. 

Rotten Eggs Smell

If you notice a rotten egg smell from the vents, your gas lines could be leaking. This smell arises from mercaptan, which utility providers add to supply lines to give natural gas a distinct smell. You should know that these leaks can occur due to loose fittings between the gas line and the furnace. Furthermore, deteriorating underground utility lines may spring gas leaks. Remember, prolonged exposure to natural gas is detrimental to your health. As such, you must contact a furnace contractor to patch the leaks and tighten the gas fittings.

A smelly furnace can undermine the air quality in your home. Therefore, schedule an appointment with a residential furnace repair contractor to service your unit and ensure it runs efficiently.

Contact a local residential furnace repair service to learn more.