Healthy and well-maintained heating systems should have no issue creating warm, clean-smelling air. When you begin to notice faint mustiness or overwhelming smoky odors, though, something’s going wrong. Here are a few of the most common furnace smells and what they mean in Harvey, LA.
1. Rotten Eggs
A sulfuric or rotten egg odor will often point to a natural gas leak. This issue could originate from your pilot light, heat exchanger or burners.
When you smell this odor, it’s best to turn your system off and leave the home until emergency personnel arrive. Prolonged exposure to natural gas or carbon monoxide can result in breathing issues, headaches, fatigue and dizziness.
2. Musty or Dampness
A wet, musty smell is likely from a water leak somewhere inside the system. There could be excessive condensation pooling around the unit or a problem with your drain pan or condensate line. Don’t ignore any moisture issues as they can quickly lead to a biologic particulate accumulation that tanks your indoor air quality.
3. Burning Odor
Even if you have a gas-based furnace, the system still utilizes various electrical components, like wiring and a blower motor. When certain issues arise, such as seized bearings or a motor overheating, the inside of your system can become so hot that it starts to melt away nearby rubber and plastic-coated wiring. This may result in a sharp burning or ozone odor that will only worsen with every cycle.
4. Dustiness
Furnaces can emit dusty smells when you haven’t used them in a few weeks or months. They may also distribute dirty or dusty air when they’re struggling with a clogged filter. If a stale smell persistently haunts your home, be sure to schedule maintenance to clean all of the furnace components.
Keeping an eye out for any odd heating system odors will let you know when it needs service. Contact Caribbean Breeze Heating to learn more about our HVAC maintenance agreements in Harvey, LA.
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