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Why Does My Furnace Smell?

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Why Does My Furnace Smell?

Posted On: October 31, 2024

Why Does My Furnace Smell?

If your furnace has an unusual smell, it could be caused by a variety of issues. Here’s a breakdown of common furnace smells and what they might mean:


1. Burning Dust Smell

  • Cause: If the furnace hasn’t been used for a while (like at the start of winter), dust will often accumulate on the heating components. When the furnace is turned on, the dust burns off, producing a distinctive smell.
  • Solution: This is usually normal and should go away within a few hours. If it persists, replace or clean the air filter and vacuum around the furnace.

2. Musty or Mildew Smell

  • Cause: Moisture can build up in the ductwork, leading to mold or mildew growth, especially if the furnace hasn’t been used in a while or if there is a humidity problem.
  • Solution: Have a professional inspect and clean your ductwork. Consider using a dehumidifier in your home to control moisture levels.

3. Electrical or Metallic Burning Smell

  • Cause: An electrical or metallic smell can indicate overheating of furnace components, often caused by worn-out parts, faulty wiring, or even a blower motor that is burning out.
  • Solution: Shut off the furnace and call a technician, as electrical issues can be hazardous.

4. Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smell

  • Cause: This smell typically indicates a natural gas leak, as utility companies add a sulfur-like odor to natural gas to make leaks easier to detect.
  • Solution: Turn off the furnace immediately, leave your home, and contact your gas company or emergency services.

5. Oil or Smoky Smell

  • Cause: If you have an oil furnace, a smoky smell could indicate incomplete combustion or an oil leak. It may also happen if the air filter or burner is dirty.
  • Solution: Shut down the furnace and have it inspected, as burning oil or smoke can cause health issues.

6. Chemical Smell

  • Cause: A chemical odor could indicate a cracked heat exchanger, which might allow carbon monoxide to leak into the air.
  • Solution: This is a serious issue. Turn off your furnace, open windows, and have a professional inspect it right away.

Preventive Tips

  • Change air filters regularly (every 1 to 3 months).
  • Schedule an annual furnace tune-up to ensure safe and efficient operation.
  • Check for any obvious blockages or leaks around the unit.

If you’re unsure about the smell or if it persists, calling a professional HVAC technician is the safest option.



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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Bill, Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Reasonable price and the workmanship was prompt and timely and the employees were great to deal with.

by Nadia, Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The sales process was friendly, informative, and very consultative. They worked hard to earn our business by taking a careful look around our home to assess our needs, providing a lot of information about the product, and answering all our questions and finding the right solution for our home at a competitive price. They prepared us very well for what to expect on installation day, and the installation went very smoothly - no surprises, all very professional! They gave us a call after installation to ensure we were happy with the work. We're very happy that we chose to work with TwinTech to get our new furnace.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Twintech promptly responded to request for quotation. They were thorough and helpful in explaining options. The quote was very competitive. Installation of new furnace was very professionally completed. Excellent work.

by Rita, Scarborough on Twintech Heating and Cooling

When our old oil furnace finally broke down we decided it was time to finally convert to natural gas and finally install central air conditioning at the same time. Knowing it was going to be a significant investment for us, we wanted to make the right choice. Twintech came highly recommended by a friend and we were not disappointed. From the first contact with the salesperson, until the final touches on the installation, we were so pleased with their service. Everyone from the company was so friendly, efficient and a pleasure to deal with. Best of all, the cost was very competitive. We would certainly recommend Twintech to anyone requiring HVAC work in their home.

by Bob S, Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Mitch from Twintech came out for our annual furnace inspection. We found him to be friendly, conscientious & he left the work area clean. We were also very impressed with the thoroughness of the job he did. This is the 2nd job we’ve had Twintech do for us & have been very happy with the results for each. We highly recommend this company. Thank you, Mitch, Dave & Greg.

by Brent L on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Work was done on schedule, professionally, according to quote and with minimal inconvenience to building users. Very happy with the end result. The only area for improvement from my experience - need more timely quoting process.

by Karen on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The team was great! Very knowledgeable, professional and extremely helpful. A few days after install the unit didn’t seem to be working, user error, but within minutes of contacting them..on a Saturday.. a tech was on the phone troubleshooting with us. I highly recommend Twintech for your cooling or heating needs. They stand by their products and a pleasure to deal with.

by Rob on Twintech Heating and Cooling

During the hottest week in the summer our old A/C decided to call it quits. I called Twintech Heating & Cooling after receiving a referral from a family member; came highly rated for being an honest, family-run business, who appreciates their customers. Dave was able to accommodate my hectic schedule and book a late evening appointment to walk through the specifics. Greg and Mitch arrived exactly on time a few days later, were very polite and friendly, and within a couple of hours had a new unit up and running. I also received a follow-up call to ensure we were happy with the Amana.

by Linda Robinson on Twintech Heating and Cooling

They were on time and very professional. I'm so glad I decided to go with Twintech, thanks!

by Famcam1953 on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Timely and appreciated - this was during the hottest days this year when our Air and Furnace way.
Efficient. Professional. No BS or overselling. What was promised, was delivered at a cost-effective price point.
Down to earth.

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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Aaron on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We are very happy to recommend this company to everyone. Our furnace broke down on Sunday morning. We phoned them and before noon Grant the owner showed up. He worked on the furnace for about a hour not wanting to give up to fix the problem. The furnace was 17 years old. I was the one talking about replacing it. End result was the next day it was all done. On the Sunday Bob came over with heaters to warm up the house. We decided to replace the water heater at the same time. Thanks Grant for the excellent work. Thumbs up.

by Linda on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Right on time. Explained how to work the HRV in a different way so the house would not be so dry. Changed my whole house water filter for me as well. Friendly, helpful, caring service!

by Robert Rogers on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Very pleased with the professional service that TwinTech Heating and Cooling provided in replacing my furnace. I got several quotes from different service providers. Their price was excellent and they explained the features very well. We are very glad we went with TwinTech and highly recommend their services.

by Robert Mizuno on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We were new homeowners in need of a second opinion. TwinTech Heating & Cooling were Amazing and professional. Very knowledgeable and great service all around. Recommend to anyone looking for honest and reliable services. Treated with respect and care. Thank you Greg, Mitch and Bob!

by Ruth on Twintech Heating and Cooling

TwinTech is an excellent and honest company! I called them for a second opinion after being told by another company that I needed to replace my furnace. Turns out this was not the case at all! I did not need a new furnace. TwinTech did not push to make an unnecessary sale and saved me from a huge expense. Bob and Mitch were extremely professional and above all honest! I definitely recommend TwinTech!

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