Have you noticed odd smells coming from your furnace and wondered what they might mean? Strange odours can signal everything from minor maintenance issues to serious safety concerns. Let’s break down some of the most common furnace smells, what they might indicate, and what you should do about them.

Burning Dust Smell 

If you smell something like burning dust when you first turn on your furnace for the season, don’t panic, this is pretty normal. However, if the smell sticks around long after the furnace has been running, it’s worth investigating. A dirty air filter is often the culprit, and replacing it might solve the problem. If the burning smell doesn’t go away even after a new filter, it’s time to call a pro. There could be a deeper issue that needs attention.

Rotten Egg Smell

A rotten egg smell isn’t something to take lightly. It could mean you have a gas leak. Natural gas doesn’t have a smell on its own, but gas companies add a chemical that smells like rotten eggs so that leaks are easier to detect. If you notice this smell, leave your home immediately and contact your local gas utility company to report the issue. Once the area is safe, have a CK Mechanical technician inspect your system to find and repair the source of the leak. Gas leaks are serious hazards, so don’t delay taking action.

Melting or Burning Plastic Smell

A melting or burning plastic smell is a sign that something is overheating in your furnace. This can happen when heat builds up and starts melting internal plastic components. If you notice this smell, shut off your furnace right away and call a professional for help. Continuing to use the furnace can lead to extensive damage and costly repairs, or even require a full replacement. Acting quickly can save you both time and money.

Musty Smell

A musty smell coming from your furnace is often a sign of mold, usually in the humidifier attached to the system or in your ductwork. Mold thrives in damp environments, and if you can smell it, there’s a good chance it’s been growing for a while. The best way to tackle this issue is to have an HVAC technician clean your humidifier, inspect the system’s drainage, and replace the humidifier pad. Mold issues can escalate if ignored, so it’s worth addressing them promptly.

Trust CK Mechanical to Eliminate Unwanted Furnace Smells

Strange smells coming from your furnace? Let CK Mechanical handle it. Our skilled technicians are experts at identifying the source of unwanted odours, resolving the issue, and making any necessary repairs to prevent small problems from becoming costly ones.

If you’ve noticed unusual smells, Contact CK Mechanical today!

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CK Mechanical has provided reliable service and peace of mind for homeowners in Windsor & Essex County since 2009. All our technicians are highly experienced, qualified and trained to critically evaluate all makes and models of HVAC, plumbing and fireplace equipment and to offer the best solution for ensuring your satisfaction.