Stinky Heater? What’s That Burning Smell from Your Heater?
More than likely, we will have to use our heaters this year. After turning on your heater for the first time this year, you may wonder, “What is that burning smell coming from my heater?” If you’ve noticed any strange and unpleasant smells in your home after turning on your heater, it might be to blame. We’ve covered scary noises from your HVAC system, but what about nasty smells?
Smells coming from heaters can be a common problem, especially in older systems or ones that haven’t been correctly maintained. Don’t worry, though. We are going to address some of the common heater smells and answer the question of why your heater might be emitting these smells. Keep reading to find out more.
Burning smell from heater
Here in Texas, we don’t use our heaters often. In that time, our heaters lay dormant; they were collecting dust and debris in the internal parts, usually in the heat exchanger and burners. When we switch on our heaters for the first time, the accumulation of that dust burns off, causing a burning smell from your heater. Generally, this smell will dissipate after a few hours, but if the odor persists, it is best to contact us immediately.
Musty Odors
A musty scent could be a serious matter as it typically suggests the presence of mold or mildew. Mold or mildew can harm your home and cause health problems as mold spores spread throughout your home’s air supply. High humidity levels, water leaks, and condensation are common causes of mold. A clogged or broken HVAC condensate drain line could be a probable cause of water leaks. If a musty odor is being emitted from your heater, it is time to reach out to a professional.
Rotten Egg Smell
If you have natural gas in your home, a rotten egg scent is not only unpleasant but may indicate a hazardous natural gas leak that should be inspected and repaired promptly. Since natural gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, gas utility companies add a sulfur-based chemical called mercaptan, which gives it a rotten egg-like smell, as a safety measure.
If you smell gas from your furnace, leave your house immediately and contact your natural gas company or 911. Exposure to natural gas can cause nausea, fatigue, headaches, and respiratory problems.
Prevent Nasty Heater Smells
The easiest way to avoid unpleasant odors from your heater and maintain a fresh-smelling home is to schedule regular maintenance with AERO. It’s recommended to have HVAC maintenance done in the fall before the cold weather sets in and in the spring before the summer heat kicks in.
When you have a maintenance appointment, your technician will clean all the necessary parts and inspect for any problems that require fixing. This can help address issues early on and prevent more severe and costly repairs in the future. Schedule your HVAC maintenance today to help avoid more serious issues!
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