Why Your Furnace Might Smell

Every fall you crank up the heater to ensure it’s ready for its winter job. The only problem is you notice an unpleasant odor each year you do so. This is normal. Dust collects in your HVAC system and it burns during the year’s first heater run. It’s not normal if the odor lingers, however, and Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling has locations in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo to help ensure your heater is safe and ready to keep you warm all winter long.

About a Day

A day is usually all it takes to get rid of that musty smell. Odors that last longer than a day are a cause for concern. A musty smell that lingers is an indicator of mold and certain household molds are dangerous when inhaled. If your furnace continues to emit an unpleasant, dusty odor each time it runs, it’s wise to have the unit checked. Another odd smell that indicates trouble is burning oil, but this is often minor and is usually fixed with a clean air filter.

Odors of Concern

There are times, however, when the odor emitting from your furnace indicates a larger and more dangerous problem. When your furnace clicks on and begins to warm your home, you should never smell chemicals. If you notice an odor similar to formaldehyde, shut off your furnace and contact a repair service immediately. A chemical smell coming from your heater could mean your heat exchanger is cracked, and this creates a carbon monoxide and fire risk.

You shouldn’t detect a hot electrical smell, such as singed wires, when your heater is running either. This odor indicates overheating metal components. You’d think you’d smell hot metal when this occurs, but a hot metal smell suggests rubber components in your system are damaged. As with a chemical smell, turn off your furnace right away to avoid further damage and a dangerous situation in your home.

If you notice a smell of rotten eggs, you might have a natural gas leak and you should not only turn off your furnace but also the gas main into your home. In this case, it’s best to call you’re a natural gas provider for an inspection. They are the experts in your gas source and the lines that bring it into your home. You should also be concerned if you smell smoke or your fire or carbon monoxide detectors sounds. Your heater should never emit smoke.

A fall service visit will help you avoid all of these concerns. Again, Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling has locations in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo, and we are happy to come to you and give your furnace the tune-up it needs to ensure it’s ready to for its winter job. If you live in Grand Rapids, Holland, or Grand Haven, call us at 616-828-6411. Lansing residents can reach us at 517-507-4174, and those in Kalamazoo should call 269-290-7844.

Call Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling for all your plumbing, heating, & cooling needs. In the greater West Michigan, Lakeshore, and surrounding areas call: 844-HVAC-365.