Why Your Furnace Smells Funny (And What to Do About It)

Do you notice an unusual or foul odor coming from your furnace? Although it’s common for furnaces to smell once in a while, especially if you just turned it on for the season, they should be monitored closely. It’s important to understand what each smell means and when to call in the pros. The team at Basset Heating & Air Conditioning is always here for all your furnace service needs. We also put together a guide to help you understand the most common furnace odors and when to seek out professional furnace services in Colorado Springs.

Common Furnace Smells and What They Mean

Let’s start by identifying what different types of furnace smells mean and what to do about them before they get out of hand.

1. Burning Dust

If you’re trying to figure out “why does my furnace smell” like burning dust, we have an answer. When heaters and furnaces remain idle for months, dust accumulates on their heat exchangers and burners. When you fire up your furnace, the dust quickly burns off, creating a distinct, instinctive burning smell. The odor should disappear after a few cycles. If it lasts longer than that, give our experts a call for Colorado Springs heating repair to check for buildup in harder-to-reach areas or other problems.

2. Mustiness, Mold, or Mildew

A musty smell is never a good sign and could indicate mold or mildew growing in your ductwork or on the air filter. Try changing out your air filter in case moisture has built up. If the smell lingers, you need a ductwork inspection before the issue gets out of control. We can also come out to address any moisture issues in your heating system and thoroughly clean out mold-prone areas to keep your home safe.

3. Electrical or Metallic

When you smell something electrical or metallic coming from your furnace, you probably have an overheating component. The issue is probably your blower motor or wiring, which requires immediate intervention. Contact us right away to diagnose the issue and resolve it. Otherwise, you could damage your furnace or create a fire hazard in your home. 

4. Rotten Egg Smell

There’s nothing pleasant about smelling rotten eggs or sulfur. It’s also a sign your entire household could be in grave danger from a natural gas leak. Natural gas is actually odorless, but utility companies add a sulfur-like scent to alert homeowners to dangerous leaks. Never take a DIY approach to a natural gas leak, and instead turn off your furnace and evacuate. Next, contact your gas provider and the team at Basset immediately. We can help resolve the issue and ensure your home is safe again.

5. Chemical or Formaldehyde Smell

If you smell a chemical odor like formaldehyde, you could have a cracked heat exchanger. The issue is a serious safety hazard that could lead to a carbon monoxide leak. These leaks are highly dangerous and can even be fatal. Turn off your furnace anytime you suspect a carbon monoxide leak and call us right away for an inspection and repair. In the event your furnace is reaching the end of its lifespan or is facing an expensive repair, we’ll let you know if it makes more sense to replace your unit altogether.

6. Oily or Smoky Smell

Oil-fueled furnaces may release an oily or smoky odor when there’s a leak. A clogged burner or a malfunctioning oil filter could be the cause. You’ll ultimately leave your home vulnerable to a fire risk and significantly reduce your heating efficiency. Call our heating experts for a repair to inspect the burner and clean or replace any clogged parts.

What to Do if Your Furnace Smells Funny

If your furnace smells strange, but you still can’t figure out why, here are some steps to take to resolve the issue.

• Check the Filter: A dirty air filter directly leads to restricted airflow and could cause overheating and unusual smells. Replacing your air filter is a quick and easy way to see if you can eliminate the odor.
• Clean the Furnace Area: Wipe away any dust or debris from around your furnace. You should also move objects away from your heating system to prevent clutter from overheating or contributing to dust pile-up.
• Ventilate the Space: If you haven’t used your furnace in awhile, ventilate the area to see if it clears out the lingering odor. Open up the windows and doors, and run a fan to encourage airflow. 
• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Routine maintenance helps prevent odor-causing issues and hazards before they turn into a hazard. Give the heating experts at Basset a call today for furnace maintenance in Colorado Springs to ensure your furnace is in top working order and stay ahead of the issues.

Call Basset Heating & Air Conditioning for Furnace Service Today!

Strange smells from your furnace can be unsettling, but the team at Basset Heating & Air Conditioning is always here to help. We offer furnace, boiler, and heat pump repair in Colorado Springs maintenance, installation, and more to keep your heater in safe working order. Schedule your appointment today!