If you want to warm up and your furnace is smelling a little funky, it could be a sign of something serious. There are many types of furnace odors, but what causes them? Here are four possibilities to watch out for with your Piedmont, SC, furnace.
Ozone
This stinging electrical smell is usually the result of some component overheating. Most times, it’s age-related, caused by old bearings wearing down. This leads to the blower motor stopping, allowing heat to build up.
This heat can eventually wreak havoc on insulation wires and create a fire hazard. It’s best to have a professional technician assess the situation.
Dust
You may catch a whiff of something dusty if you haven’t used your furnace in a while, but it usually fades away with use. Dirt and dust can collect inside the unit and air ducts, but they are usually not a cause for concern. If the smell persists, you may need to replace the filter.
Chemical Aroma
If your gas furnace is giving off a rotten egg smell, it’s probably caused by a damaged heat exchanger. That is something that’s going to need a professional. While you won’t be able to smell the carbon monoxide itself, you’ll smell the chemicals producers add to it to alert you when there’s a leak.
Burning Plastic
When burning plastic’s involved, shut off the furnace, and get a professional right away. That strong odor is usually electrical components melting down. If these components are too far gone, a new furnace may be in order.
You don’t have to live in the cold, but you also don’t have to live with a malfunctioning furnace either. Contact us at Palmetto Heating & Air, and we can provide you with services to help you stay warm safely.
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