Do you smell something strange coming from your furnace? It might be a chemical smell. Many people experience a chemical smell from the furnace, which can be pretty alarming. However, don’t worry – in most cases, the smell is harmless and can be easily fixed.
In this blog post, we will discuss what causes the chemical smell of furnaces. We will also discuss some preventative measures that you can take to avoid the problem in the future.
What Is A Chemical Smell From Furnace?
The heat exchanger in your heating system runs on chemicals. The heat from the combustion chamber is transferred via the heat exchanger and circulated into the plenum.
Chemical odours are not a typical result of a properly functioning furnace and must be quickly handled. A damaged heat exchanger is one of several potential causes of these odours. The heat exchanger component operates by cycling heat from the combustion chamber and subsequently to the plenum. The danger of fire is significantly increased if this component is damaged. Additionally, it could spread the fumes of carbon monoxide throughout your home.
While it’s alarming that carbon monoxide has no smell, any chemical scent is a sign of a significant issue, and you should call an HVAC professional immediately.
Preventative Measures
It’s essential to take some preventative measures to avoid the chemical smell from your furnace. Here are some tips:
- You should have your furnace regularly serviced by a qualified HVAC technician. It will help to ensure that potential problems are caught early and fixed before they become bigger issues.
- You should ensure that your furnace’s heat exchanger is made of high-quality materials. It will help to prevent it from becoming damaged and causing chemical odours.
- You should also install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. It will help alert you if there are any levels of carbon monoxide in your home, so you can take action quickly.
Other Furnace Smells You Should Not Ignore
Aside from the chemical smell, there are other furnaces smells that you should not ignore. These include:
Rotten Egg Smell
The rotten egg smell that suggests a gas leak is the most overt and dangerous stench you may detect coming from your furnace. To make leaks simpler for individuals to find without equipment, many natural gas companies add sulphur to the gas.
Open windows to allow fresh air, leave the house immediately, and contact your local gas company and emergency service to report the leak if you detect rotten eggs odour coming from your furnace. It could be a hazardous situation.
Electrical Burning Smell
An electrical burning smell coming from your furnace is also causing alarm. It could signify an electrical problem, which can be very dangerous. Your furnace’s sparks and electrical shorts are to blame for the odour. It’s crucial to turn off the electricity to your appliance as soon as you detect an ozone scent. Otherwise, a fire might start due to these melted wires and sparks.
If you smell this type of odour, shut off the power to your furnace immediately and call an HVAC technician.
Burning Oil or Diesel Smell
Burning oil or diesel smell coming from your furnace is not good news. It could be a sign of a cracked heat exchanger. When this component is damaged, it can cause oil or coolant to leak and burn.
A clogged oil furnace filter may cause an oil odour, which makes the system work harder. To maintain optimal effectiveness, be sure to change your air filters frequently.
If you detect a burning oil or diesel smell, shut off your furnace and call an HVAC technician immediately.
Sewage Smell
A sewage smell coming from your furnace is not only unpleasant but also dangerous. It could signify a cracked heat exchanger or a clogged condensate drain line.
Dusty or Moldy Smell
When you first turn on the furnace at the start of winter, it could give off a burning dust scent. This odour is quite natural and should go in a few days. If the musty odour continues, consider replacing the air filter to address the issue.
After changing the air filter, if the issue still exists, there may be a significant furnace issue. You should instantly switch off the machine and dial the professionals in such a circumstance.
Conclusion – Chemical Smell from Furnace
If you detect any strange smells from your furnace, it’s essential to take action quickly. Ignoring these odours could be very dangerous. Be sure to call an HVAC technician if unsure what to do. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
In the meantime, take some preventative measures to avoid these problems in the future. Regularly servicing your furnace and changing your air filters are just a few things you can do. By taking these steps, you can help to keep your home safe and comfortable.
