If you’re like many homeowners, you probably wait as long as you can to turn the furnace on. But when it finally gets cold enough that you can’t hold out anymore and you have to crank up the heat, it’s common to notice an odor during the heating system startup as a result of combustion byproducts.
The Most Common Reason for Furnace Odor
The most common reason for a smell when you first turn the heat on is dust accumulation. Over the summer, dust, pollen, and other contaminants can accumulate in the furnace and the ducts. When the heat comes on, it burns off, creating a musty odor or a smell like something is burning.
In most cases, this initial odor dissipates within a few hours of running the furnace. Changing the air filter and having an HVAC technician perform a maintenance service before firing it up can reduce the amount of dust burnoff and the unpleasant odor.
When To Worry About a Furnace Smell
Sometimes, the answer to the smell is a cause for concern. Certain odors can indicate problems with the system that need professional attention as soon as possible.
Gas Odors
If you notice the scent of sulfur or rotten eggs near the furnace when you turn it on, there could be a gas leak. This is an emergency that requires immediate attention. Call 911, and get your family and pets away from your home while you wait for help.
When you call emergency services about a gas leak, the utility company will turn off the gas and let you know when it’s safe to return. You’ll need help from an HVAC company to find and repair the source of the leak before you can use the furnace again.
Burning Plastic
An odor that smells like burning plastic or has an electrical smell also requires professional attention. Although you might notice this kind of odor when you fire up a brand-new furnace for the first time and the oil coating on the heating element burns off, you shouldn’t smell it when tuning an older unit. If you do, the furnace may be overheating — or, at least, a part may be.
Musty Smells
If your furnace produces an odor that smells damp or musty, it’s possible that there’s mold in the system or a clogged drain due to maintenance issues. You need an HVAC technician to investigate and uncover the source of the mold and recommend remediation steps.
Call Kahn Air Conditioning About Furnace Concerns
If you notice a burning, gas, musty, or other unusual smell, or the initial startup odor doesn’t disappear after a short time, call Kahn Air Conditioning at (818) 886-2600 to investigate. Our Northridge, CA-area technician will find the answer and ensure your family stays safe and warm.
