Furnaces and most combustion appliances, for that matter, produce odors as a side effect of their primary function, which is to release heat. Although the vast majority of these smells don’t signal immediate dangers or serious problems with your furnace, it would be best to have them investigated. Reach out to an HVAC technician in Taneytown, MD if you detect any of the following odors because they point to potential issues.
1. Rotten Egg Smell
A rotten egg smell is often a sign that gas is leaking. When inhaled, it could lead to serious health issues. In some cases, it might lead to a fire hazard.
This issue can be difficult to diagnose on your own, but to an expert, it is relatively easy to correct. Often, clicking sounds or an illuminated red light on the furnace’s control panel accompany the smell pointing to a problem with the circuit that powers the light. To correct the issue, the technician might have to clean the furnace’s pilot light and/or replace its fuse.
2. Musty Smell
A musty smell is often an indication of biological growth or a clogged filter, both of which can lead to poor indoor air quality. Sometimes the smell will gradually fade if it’s attributable to dust and debris.
However, it would be best to change your filters if they are more than three months old. If the problem persists, call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your air ducts for biological concerns.
3. Electronic Burning Smell
An electronic burning smell from your furnace is often a sign of a short circuit. Electricity powers your system’s control panel, making it susceptible to problems like this. If you notice this smell coming from your system, turn it off immediately, and call an HVAC technician. Even if the smell stops after a few minutes, it is important to have the issue diagnosed and corrected as soon as possible.
When left unattended, it might cause more damage to your system. A fire hazard might occur in some cases, putting your loved ones and property in danger. In particular, be on the lookout for signs of melting or deformity in the metal parts of the control panel. Regular maintenance can lessen the demand for emergency repairs. However, it’s important to note that your system might require some repairs every once in a while.
Luckily, it has a way of sending signals before the problem becomes too extensive and expensive to rectify. Contact Siegman Forced Air Systems, Inc. for furnace repair and maintenance in and around Taneytown, MD.
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