When some people in Magee, MS, turn their furnaces on in the fall, they might notice something unusual after the furnace’s period of unuse. A strange odor can be one of those things, and it can be alarming. Here is what you need to know about five different odors coming from your heater.
1. Rotten Egg Smell
An odor of sulfur is a clear sign of a gas leak. The furnace needs immediate repair or replacement if it’s the source of the gas leak. Immediately turn off your heater, open the windows and call your local gas company to shut off the supply and find the source of the leak.
2. Noxious Fumes
A blocked exhaust chimney redirects exhaust odors into your home and needs immediate repair. Carbon monoxide buildup is possible and very dangerous.
3. Burning Smell
The cause of most burning odors is a motor or wiring issue needing repair. The odor is metallic, plastic or electrical. It can also be dusty, which occurs when you haven’t used your heater for a while and dust accumulates, but either issue causes overheating.
4. Musty or Damp Smell
The cooling function dehumidifiers the air, and the accumulation of condensation over time can cause bacterial growth and spores to manifest. This issue needs professional HVAC cleaning.
4. Oily Smell
The odor of oil can come from one of two issues. One is an oil leak in the tank, oil line or filter, while the other is a malfunctioning oil burner. New furnaces emit a burning oil smell but only for the first 24 hours.
Experiencing a strange odor is nothing to take lightly, since it means that your heater is not functioning properly and could even be dangerous. That’s why regular maintenance is so important. Contact Hux Air Conditioning today to repair or replace your heater so you can continue to enjoy the fall season in Magee, MS.
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