Have You Noticed a Bad Smell Coming from Your Furnace? Learn What it Might Mean

Have You Noticed a Bad Smell Coming from Your Furnace? Learn What it Might Mean

Have You Noticed a Bad Smell Coming from Your Furnace? Learn What it Might MeanSummer is just around the corner, but many people are still turning their furnaces on a few days a week. If you have done so and noticed that there is a bad smell, we recommend getting furnace repair today and not waiting until the fall to take action. You can call Econo West Heating Air & Plumbing at (661) 947-2653 to have us take a look at your furnace or keep reading to learn about some of the most common causes of furnace smells.

Why Does Your Furnace Smell Like Dust is Burning?

This is the most common smell people worry about – and it is also the least serious. If you have had your furnace of even for a few days, it could be that dust has settled on it and in it. When it starts to cycle again, the dust does indeed burn, and you will get that dust-burning smell. This is not an issue unless it sticks around. If that happens, you can try changing and/or cleaning your filter. If that doesn’t fix the issue, then it is time to call us.

Why Does Your Furnace Smell Like Burning Plastic?

It might surprise you to learn that his one is actually accurate – if it smells like there is plastic burning, then there is likely plastic burning. The first step is to check your vents and ducts to see if there is plastic wrapping, a plastic toy, or other types of debris. This is more common than you might think in homes with young children.

If you do not find an obvious cause of the plastic, then it is time to call your local HVAC expert. Why? Because that smell could mean that your furnace is overheating. It could be that the fan belt, capacitor, or plastic-coated wires are actually burning.

Why Does Your Furnace Smell Oily or Smoky?

If you have an oil furnace, then you can expect that it will smell oily sometimes. It often means that the oil filter is in need of replacement or cleaning. If you have a chimney that’s blocked, this could also be the cause of the smoky smell.

Why Does Your Furnace Smell Like Metal, Electricity, or Chemicals?

Furnaces are designed to turn off automatically when they overheat, but this does not work if an issue occurs with the blower motor or heat exchanger. When these parts overheat, they can cause a smell that is metallic, electrical, or chemical. If this happens, turn off your furnace and call your local HVAC company right away.

At Econo West Heating Air & Plumbing, we recommend that you call us with any bad or unusual smell coming out of your furnace. You can do so by dialing (661) 947-2653.

Related Articles

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.