Preparing Your Furnace For The Cold
Sweater weather is here! With colder weather comes time to turn your heaters on and get them running again. Most people will notice a funny smell when they finally turn them on for the first time this season.
Below are a few reasons why your heater may smell — but don’t fret because not every cause requires professional assistance. The team at Champion Home Services is here to shed light on a smelly furnace and what can be done to banish the stink.
Understanding Common Heater Smells
After heaters have been turned off for a long time, they collect dust and lint. This dust can collect on the heat exchanger and air ducts — so when the furnace finally turns on, the dust burns off and releases an odor.
This is normal when you turn on your heater for the first time, and the smell should disappear in a few hours. If it doesn’t, check your air filters because they might need to be changed.
When Are Heater Smells A Cause For Concern?
If you notice an odor that smells similar to burning plastic or electrical parts, it may be something serious. The cause of this could be a foreign object in your ducts or system that starts to smell once it gets heated or even a spill that went unnoticed.
This odor could also be due to a cracked heat exchanger or an overheated furnace motor. You can inspect the heater first to try and locate the problem yourself or call an experienced technician on our team to fix the problem.
Preventing Unpleasant Heater Odors
One way to prevent a smelly heater is to make sure that you buy high-quality air filters. Mildew, mold and bacteria can grow in your system and create a bad smell, sometimes known as “dirty sock syndrome.”
However, these particles need dust and other substances to thrive. Using filters to remove these from the air before they get into your coils is one of the key ways to prevent this.
Identifying Specific Odors And Their Causes
Navigating the different smells that come from your heater can be confusing. Understanding what each odor indicates is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient heating system. Here are some of the most common questions our team answers:
- What causes a burnt smell from my heater? — A burnt smell is often due to dust and lint burning off from the heat exchanger and air ducts.
- Why does my heater smell like rotten eggs? — This could be indicative of a gas leak and requires immediate attention.
- Why does my heater smell like burning plastic? — This is likely caused by foreign objects in the system or potentially more serious issues like a cracked heat exchanger.
Being aware of these specific odors and their potential causes is essential for timely maintenance and ensuring the longevity and safety of your heating system.
Dependable Heater Services In San Antonio
Champion Home Services is here if you need to replace your heater or if you detect any problems and need further assistance! Remember, while some smells are normal when you first turn on your furnace, others can indicate a need for a professional inspection.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to ensure your home’s safety and comfort this winter season. We’re ready to work for you!
