Have you noticed a burning smell coming from your furnace? Did it happen only once, or is it a constant smell? What is the power source for your furnace? Sometimes, smells are different depending on whether or not it’s a gas or electric furnace. Keep your family safe. Learn how to identify the source of the odors so you can consult with our team of furnace experts at Zark Heating & Cooling in New Lenox, IL.
How to Sniff Out the Problem
If you notice that a burning smell is coming from your furnace, you may feel worried or concerned for the well-being of your family, particularly if the issue persists. Luckily, your nose knows what to look for when it comes to your furnace. Pay special attention to the types of smells coming from your furnace to help you identify and pinpoint the root cause of your furnace problem. Here’s a comprehensive list of what smells you should watch out for from the team of HVAC specialists at Zark Heating & Cooling.
If Your Furnace Smells Like Burning Plastic or Rubber
Be wary if your furnace smells like burning plastic or rubber, as this may indicate a mechanical or electrical problem, an overheated motor, or a severe safety hazard if the cause is determined as a cracked heat exchanger.
A cracked heat exchanger may cause carbon monoxide to leak. Be sure to verify that your carbon monoxide detectors are in working order, as carbon monoxide can cause potentially fatal reactions in high concentrations. Don’t wait, reach out to your South Chicago HVAC pros for furnace repair.
In any scenario, if you smell burning plastic or rubber, turn off your furnace immediately and call us as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause of the smell permeating your home. Our team of HVAC professionals can repair your furnace and schedule regular maintenance to prevent future issues from occurring.
Dusty or Musty Burning Smells
When you turn on your furnace for the first time after temperatures drop, you may notice a dusty or musty burning smell coming through your air vents. In most cases, this is not a situation that requires immediate attention or urgency. As expected, dust does collect in your furnace and air ducts when not in use during warmer seasons. Changing your air filter consistently is the simplest way to manage this.
However, mold can grow in the air ducts due to mixtures of humidity and the warm air distributed from your furnace. With an air duct cleaning from our professional technicians, the musty, dusty smell is easily eliminated from your ductwork, along with the dust and mold.
Furnace Smells Like Rotten or Burning Eggs
Gas leaks can cause the smell of rotten eggs, sometimes with a combination of a burning scent. A small amount of gas is typical for your furnace to release when you first turn it on. However, if the issue persists, you may have a faulty furnace part, ignitor, or pilot light. Regardless of the reason for the unpleasant scent you are dealing with, turn off your furnace or gas valve as quickly as possible. If you smell rotten eggs, sulfuric acid, or gas from your furnace on a regular basis, be sure to give your gas company a call right away before reaching out to Zark Heating & Cooling for a diagnostic consultation or troubleshooting session.
How to Prevent the Burning Furnace Smell
If you’re like most people, you may not notice pending heating problems until they are already happening. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent future issues from occurring, such as regularly changing your air filter and doing external inspections when your furnace is off to determine if there are any visibly damaged parts. You can also optimize your furnace’s functionality and durability by scheduling regular furnace maintenance with us.
Furnace Repair
For reliable Furnace maintenance and furnace installation in New Lenox, IL, give us a try. Focused on providing exemplary customer service, we offer customized diagnostics, troubleshooting, HVAC maintenance, and furnace repair to exceed your expectations.
Our team of certified and experienced HVAC experts works diligently to diagnose the burning smells caused by your furnace. Dependable and knowledgeable, we will work with you on a personalized solution to quickly get your furnace up and running as it should. If you’re experiencing the worrying problem of a burning smell from your furnace, contact Zark Heating & Cooling today!
