Furnace Smell! Should I worry?
If you have just turned your furnace on after the long, hot Las Vegas summer, it may surprise you with some odors that are not what you should normally expect. The truth is, if it has been several months since you turned it on, there is likely to be an odd furnace smell coming from it.
When should I worry about my furnace smell?
Knowing what smells are to be expected and which ones you should be worried about is important, both to your safety and to your peace of mind.
Here are some of the most common furnace smells you may notice:
Dusty odors
If you have not run your furnace in several months, there is bound to be a lot of dust that has built up over that time. When you first turn it on, all of that dust will circulate and then burn off and, as a result, the odor from that will be noticeable all over your home. While this normally goes away after the first use, some people may notice that it lingers on. If this is the case, call us right away and we will come and have a look. It may be that the filters need replacing. This is something you should do on a monthly basis during the winter.
Electrical odors, metallic odors
If you smell burning wires, it could mean that some of the components in your furnace are getting overheated. This may cause your heating system to shut off on its own to protect it from becoming even more damaged. If you notice electrical odors coming from your heating system, shut it down completely and give us a call. Failing to address electrical issues could damage your system and put you and your family at risk.
Smells like rotten eggs
If you notice a sulfur smell – like rotten eggs – immediately turn off your furnace and open all the windows. A rotten egg smell could mean that you have a gas leak, the imminent danger of which should be self-evident. Get your loved ones and animals out of the house and call the gas company immediately. The gas to your home will have to be shut off before any repairs can be done to the furnace. AC Plus offers 24/7 emergency service, so we should be your second call. We will send out a certified technician right away to assess the problem and ensure you and your family are safe.
Unspecified furnace smell: don’t take any chances!
If your furnace is giving off a strange smell but you are unsure as to what it is, give us a call right away. We will send our technician to test for carbon monoxide (CO), gas leaks, and other unspecified odors.
The important thing is not to take any chances. It’s about more than just your comfort, it’s about the air that you and your family have to breathe. No matter where you are in the Las Vegas area, AC Plus is just a phone call away and we are always ready to help.
