Why Your Furnace Smells When You Turn It on in the Fall

You likely rely heavily on your furnace to keep warm and comfortable throughout the colder seasons. It’s vital to ensure your furnace is kept in good working condition. If you notice an abnormal smell when you turn it on in the fall, there could be an underlying issue that must be addressed.

While it’s not always a cause for huge concern, it’s crucial to pinpoint the issue in case it’s more severe than you initially think. Keep reading to learn about common smells from your furnace and what might be causing them.

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Smells From Your Furnace: Explained

Confronting off-putting odors from your furnace ASAP is a good rule of thumb. The smell can vary depending on the cause, so familiarizing yourself with each can help determine the right solution. Some common smells you may come across include:

Burning

One familiar smell your furnace can produce is a burning odor. Fortunately, this is common as your furnace burns away dust and dirt when it’s turned on for the first time. It would be best to clean the furnace and evaporator coils before powering up your unit for the season.

Gas or Rotten Eggs

Smelling gas or an odor like rotten eggs is a much more concerning issue. It’s likely sulfur that you’re smelling, which indicates a natural gas leak. Gas leaks can result from many causes and lead to hazards to your health and home, so shut off your gas line and call for professional help immediately.

Sewage

If your furnace emits a foul sewage smell, it’s likely due to a dry sewer trap near the unit. This can either happen due to a sewage leak or a faulty vent, requiring the assistance of a professional. You can also try pouring water down the basement floor drain as a potential resolution.

Burning Plastic

Burning plastic or rubber odors typically indicate an electrical issue. They may be caused by a plastic wire casing melting, which is a fire hazard that must be addressed immediately.

Schedule Furnace Services With Blue Frost Today

Blue Frost Heating & Cooling is your go-to for exceptional furnace services in West Chicago. We’ve provided our community with reliable services since 1973, ensuring exceptional customer service every time. We always offer free estimates, 24/7 emergency services, transparency, honesty, and integrity.

Our team is fully licensed, insured, and bonded, and we receive thorough training. We’re proudly NATE-certified and an Angi Super Service Award Winner, amongst many other accolades, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in excellent hands with us.

Don’t let your furnace malfunction when you need it most. Schedule furnace services with the Blue Frost Heating & Cooling team today!