Why Does My Furnace Smell When I First Turn It On?

As fall’s chill settles upon Fayetteville, you reach for the thermostat to turn up the heat only to be greeted by an unpleasant stench when the furnace kicks on. Alarmed, you might wonder why there’s a distinct smell.

Some furnace odors are no big deal, but others are a cause for concern. Below, we’ll go over some common furnace smells and what they mean.

A Brief Burning Dust Smell Is Nothing To Worry About

If you notice a burning smell when the furnace first kicks on after months of disuse, that’s completely normal. The odor is caused by dust settling on and around the furnace during the spring and summer. When the furnace starts to heat up, the dust burns off.

This is nothing to worry about, and the odor should fade in a couple of minutes. If it doesn’t, call our pros to take a look.

Your Air Filter Is Ancient

No air filter lasts forever, and a dirty air filter is a smelly one. On top of that, a clogged furnace filter makes it harder for your furnace to do its job. Without regular replacement or cleaning, your furnace might draw its last breath and require replacement sooner than you expected.

Been a while since you last changed yours? Pull it out and be amazed by all the filth it has trapped.

It’s best to change your filter every three to six months. The thicker the filter, the longer you can go without replacing it.

Helpful article: Furnace Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is Right For You?

Mold Has Made Its Home in Your Furnace

Does your furnace smell unpleasantly musty, like a load of wet laundry left in the washing machine a bit too long? You may have a mold problem on your hands. Mold can settle in the cracks and crevices of your furnace. Filters, humidifier panels, and coils are common places for it to hide.

Because mold can grow in unseen places, it’s best to call the pros to handle a musty furnace smell. We’ll inspect your HVAC system, including the air ducts, and eliminate mold and mildew wherever it lurks.

Mechanical or Electrical Problems May Be To Blame

Wondering, “Why does my furnace smell like chemicals?” That’s a good question because a chemical odor could spell big trouble for your furnace.

Often, chemical smells point to a cracked heat exchanger. This vital component heats your home’s air and keeps toxic fumes from wafting through your air ducts.

If you turn the furnace on and smell a persistent burning odor, that could point to an electrical problem, such as a failing motor or damaged wiring.

Gas Leaks: The Silent Enemy

Smelling rotten eggs? Act fast, because you may have a dangerous gas leak. Shut off the gas, leave your home ASAP, and call us for help.

Smelly Furnace? Call the Experts

If you’re still asking why your furnace smells, then call the experts at Gore Heating & Air. Contact us at (910) 485-5877 to schedule furnace maintenance or repairs now. We are here for you!