Under ideal conditions, your Cincinnati furnace doesn’t require much attention. There are situations however, that warrant a call for service, such as unusual furnace smells. While these smells may not cause your unit to malfunction, they could be hazardous. If you notice any of the odors listed below, don’t let them go unchecked.

Fuel smells

While in close proximity to your furnace, it’s normal to detect a faint odor of burnt fuel. However, if you smell a stronger odor of raw fuel, or in the worst case scenario, the smell of rotten eggs a significant distance from the unit, you may have a serious gas leak. Evacuate immediately and call the fire department. Oil odors are less serious, but still require a service call.

Electrical odors

All furnaces require wires and motors to operate. If any of these parts should burn out, they will emit an electrical smell throughout the heating system, similar to heated metal. Clogged or dirty air filters increase the risk of your components overheating, so it’s important to perform regular filter changes.

Burning or dusty smells

When your furnace is inactive for long periods of time, dust can gather in the combustion chamber. Once the furnace is turned on, the dust begins to burn off and may even release a small amount of smoke. New units produce similar odors as oil used as a rust inhibitor burns off. In either scenario, if the smell persists past 24 hours there may be another issue at hand, and a call for service is needed.

Musty or damp odors

Furnace smells such as this may not be from the furnace at all, but from a separate issue in your basement or attic. The culprit may be the result of bacterial growth within the condensate pump, but if the pump was cleaned as part of your annual maintenance routine, then the problem lies elsewhere.

If you notice any unusual furnace smells, be sure to call the experts at Tri-County Heating & Cooling for a knowledgeable assessment of the issue. Since 1969 we have proudly served the residents of Butler County and the Greater Cincinnati area.

Image via Shutterstock.com