Your HVAC system could be emitting a funky smell, but you may or may not immediately notice it. However, if you definitely can smell something, there are some odors that can indicated that your HVAC system is experiencing a serious issue that requires the immediate attention of a licensed HVAC repair and maintenance professional. If you attempt to correct the issue yourself, you run the risk of making the issue even worse.
Here are three reasons as to why your furnace smells or could be giving off a putrid smell.
Smoke Smell
If you notice that your furnace smells like smoke, it’s important to note that a burning and overheating smell is not quite the same thing. If you start your furnace for the first time for the season, it may end up letting off an odor similar to a burning smell within the first 24 hours. This is typically due to dust that has built up in it during the summer season. However, if you notice this smell for longer than 24 hours, turn off the furnace via the shutoff valve, then shut off the gas supply completely. From there, contact a licensed HVAC technician and inform them of the problem, as well as the steps you’ve already taken. They should be able to come in and fix the issue and the smoke odor will dissipate.
Rotten Egg Smell
Maybe the worst smell of the three listed here, and possibly the most dangerous, if you notice a type of rotten egg smell coming from your furnace, this is an indication that there is a gas leak. You will want to immediately evacuate yourself and everyone else from your home and contact your local gas company. From there, get to a safe location until the leak has been repaired and you are told that you can re-enter your home. From there, contact a licensed HVAC technician to perform a regular maintenance check to avoid potential gas leaks in the future.
Overheating Smell
If you notice that your furnace is emitting an odor similar to overheating, this is an indication that there is some type of electrical or motor function in the furnace itself. The worst case scenario is that something inside the furnace could potentially be burning, which could create a fire hazard. You will want to immediately turn off your HVAC unit and contact a licensed HVAC technician to inspect the unit as soon as possible.
If you smell any of the three smells listed above, immediately contact an experienced HVAC repair and maintenance specialist to come out and take a look. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Thank you for visiting the On the Go Heating and Cooling blog, a Las Cruces-based heating and cooling company. We’re happy to have helped you learn about three reasons why your furnace smells funky.