Is a strange odor coming from your heating unit? Most professional heating and cooling technicians recommend biannual checkups on your HVAC or furnace-powered comfort appliances. This service is the first step to early identification of potential problems while also cleaning the system to avoid that funky smell when you fire up the heat at the beginning of winter.

Here are some other issues that might result in unpleasant aromas emitting from heating units. We’ll break it down by smell and the most typical causes to help you get a remedy fast. Keep in mind, bad odors don’t necessarily equate to a costly repair bill, so addressing them ASAP can be the key to saving money and increasing comfort levels.

Burning Electrical Odor

A burning electrical odor when turning on a heater at the first cool weather of the season is somewhat natural as residual dust burns off. It typically will go away on its own if you have routine HVAC services. But if it doesn’t pass quickly, bigger issues might be surfacing if you smell a burning metallic odor or that of chlorine. These are electrical-based issues that can result in excessive heat buildup in a furnace’s motor, sparks and electrical shorts that can endanger the family and your home.

“Rotten Egg” Smell Permeates the Home

Unless you are boiling eggs, that smell of sulphur could indicate a gas leak and should not be taken lightly. This is certainly not a pleasant or natural smell by any means, so experts recommend immediately opening all windows and doors and calling your utility provider and local authorities for further investigation.

Dusty or Moldy Odor

While the burning of old dust and accumulated condensation can cause a foul smell, any water that doesn’t escape can seep into the air ducts and cause mold to grow. Heat only makes the smell worse and puts the motor at risk. Finding and properly identifying mold isn’t a job for the average homeowner, so contacting a professional as soon as you smell mold is essential to preventing its spread and costly eradication measures.

The Smell of Burning Oil

If anything smells like diesel fuel burning, you likely have a serious problem in the furnace that lies somewhere in the ignition zone. When the unit fails to light properly, gas builds up and creates a fog of gas that could ultimately light up the entire home. This is definitely a situation that requires professional help and should not be delayed.

Let the HVAC Professionals in Kentucky Keep You Warm This Winter

Here at Knight’s Mechanical, we offer complete HVAC services in Elizabethtown, Glasgow and surrounding communities. We’ll pinpoint the bottom line issues and get your system running smoothly all year long. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.