It’s normal for gas furnaces to emit small amounts of gas when cycling on . If you occasionally detect a faint gas odor near the furnace during this cycle, you don’t have anything to worry about. However, if you frequently smell gas throughout your home, your furnace could have a dangerous leak.
Why does my furnace smell like diesel?
Dirty heat exchanger – an oil furnace that is smoking heavily (usually from a burner that is not getting enough air) will produce a lot of smoke. ... Spillover from a recently filled oil tank – if you recently had your oil tank filled, then it is common for your furnace to smell like diesel or oil for a few days.
Why do I smell fuel when my furnace runs?
An oil smell could be caused by a leak, burner troubles, a heat exchanger failure or exhaust system problems . You should schedule service as soon as possible to correct this situation. Smoky odors when your oil burner is operating.
How can you tell if your furnace is leaking gas?
- Trouble breathing.
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded.
- Drowsiness or increased fatigue.
- Flu-like symptoms, such as nausea and headaches.
- Ear, nose, and throat irritation.
- Mood changes, including depression.
- Nosebleeds.
- Chest pain.
Why do I smell sewer when my furnace is running?
For example, if your furnace smells like sewage, the odor likely comes from a sewer system opening that is near your intake system . In some cases, dampness can lead to mold. Moldy furnaces are more common in areas with high humidity and in homes where the furnace stays cool and damp.
What smells like gas but is not gas?
Sulfur is often the cause of a gas smell in homes without gas leaks. It smells identical to the foul rotten odor of gas leaks, but it’s not nearly as harmful in this case. Bacteria found in sewage systems or your kitchen sink release sulfur over time, causing the smell to permeate your home.
What does a furnace leak smell like?
If you notice a rotten egg or sulfur smell after turning on your furnace, this is a very serious concern. ... Natural gas is odorless, so a harmless chemical (mercaptan) is added to give natural gas an odor, so you can easily detect a gas leak. Most people would describe the odor as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur.
Why do my vents smell like poop?
Sewage Smell
And if that stench is coming from your vents, it’s not a good sign. It could mean there’s a backed up sewer line or ruptured sewer pipe somewhere near your ductwork. And that will emit a smell of methane , which can fill up your home with a foul smell.
What is dirty sock syndrome?
What Causes Dirty Sock Syndrome? “Dirty Sock Syndrome” refers to when a foul-smelling, mold- or mildew-like odor comes from your air conditioner when you first turn it on . This happens when moisture, dust, and dirt build up on your AC system’s evaporator coil, inviting bacteria and mold to multiply.
Why does my furnace smell like skunk?
A skunk smell in your HVAC system is usually caused by a gas leak and should be inspected immediately. ... If you smell methane in your home the most likely cause is a ruptured sewer main near the ductwork. Methane gas can seep into the system and spread throughout the house.
How much does it cost to fix a gas leak in a furnace?
Furnace Repair Costs
Gas furnace repairs range from $375 to $1,200 due to complexity. Most HVAC repair professionals charge $75 per hour but can range from $50 to $150 per hour.
What to do if you smell gas from your furnace?
If you smell gas and can track it back to your furnace, immediately turn off the unit, evacuate the household, and call the fire department . Contacting your local fire department and gas company is a good place to start. They will provide inspections, but not repairs.
How do I check for a gas leak?
- Check for a Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell. Most natural gas companies put an additive called mercaptan into natural gas to give it a distinct smell. ...
- Listen for a Whistling or Hissing Noise. ...
- Check the Stove or Range Top. ...
- Use a Gas Leak Detector. ...
- Conduct the Soapy Water Test.
Why does my heat smell weird?
What does it mean? If you smell a dusty or burning smell the first few times you turn on your heat, it’s most likely dust and dirt that’s settled on components inside your heating system throughout the summer. As you fire up the heat, those dust particles burn away , producing a weird burnt/dusty smell.
Why does the air smell like sewage?
Sewage Smell
If you smell sewage when you turn on your A/C unit, your sewer system may have backed up into your house or near your unit, and the smell may come from a ruptured pipe . Contact an air conditioning company right away if you notice a sewage smell or detect methane in your home.
Can a dirty furnace filter make your house smell?
Unpleasant Smells
A dirty air filter can make your home smell musty and stale . A weaker airflow prevents air from adequately circulating through your home, letting bad smells from cooking or other activities linger longer.
