Furnace Odor Causes: Gas, Decay, Must

Furnace Odor Causes: Gas, Decay, Must

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the more common causes of strange odors that you may smell coming from your furnace this winter. From certain burning smells to a sewer-like smell and others, there are a few examples of smells that can come from the furnace that may signal a problem - though the severity here can vary widely. 

At Airtime Heating & Cooling, we're here to offer a wide range of AC and furnace repair and replacement services for clients around Riverton, Lehi, Bluffdale, Herriman, Draper and nearby areas. Today's part two of our series will look at some other possible odors that may come from your furnace, plus what they tend to mean and what should be done about them, whether on your own or with the assistance of our team wherever necessary. 

Gas Smell

One of the more concerning smells that may come from your furnace is a gas smell. This can be described as similar to the smell you might encounter at a gas station, and it's one of the few odors on this list that could signal an immediate issue with potential safety risks.

If you smell gas coming from your furnace, shut down the unit immediately and leave your home if possible. Call our team for assistance as soon as you can, and in the meantime, consider opening windows or doors to let fresh air circulate through the space.

Decayed Smell

Another unpleasant smell you may detect from your furnace is one that's commonly described as "decayed." This could come from a number of sources, but most often involves dead animals or insects. It can also signal mold or mildew growth in the furnace or ductwork.

If you can smell decay but cannot locate the source, it's likely time to call our team for a professional inspection. We'll assess your system and determine if any pests are present, plus offer solutions to remove them and clean your system thoroughly.

Rotten Egg Smell

A rotten egg smell is often associated with natural gas leaks, but it can also come from a buildup of sulfur inside the furnace. This issue is not an immediate safety concern, but should still be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further buildup and potential fire hazards.

If you smell rotten eggs, turn off your furnace and open windows or doors to ventilate the space. Call our team for assistance, and refrain from using your furnace until the issue has been resolved.

Musty Smell

Finally, a musty smell from your furnace is often indicative of mold or mildew growth. This could be in the ductwork or on other components within the system, and it's important to address it quickly before it spreads further.

To remove mold or mildew from your furnace, our team will inspect all relevant components and clean them thoroughly. We'll also recommend steps you can take to prevent future growth, including regular maintenance and filter changes.

At Airtime Heating & Cooling, our furnace experts are dedicated to helping you maintain a safe and comfortable home. If you're experiencing any of the odors discussed in this series or have other concerns about your furnace, don't hesitate to reach out to us for professional assistance. We'll diagnose the issue and remedy it as quickly and affordably as possible!

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