Your furnace shouldn’t produce a horrible and pungent odor while it’s operating. If that’s the case, it typically means something is wrong and there’s a significant issue that needs addressing. The following are three problematic furnace odors and what they may mean for the appliance at your home in Cape May, NJ.
1. Musty Smells
Your furnace may briefly give off this odor once you turn it on if you haven’t used it in a while. However, if the smell persists for an extended period of time, this indicates a deeper issue. It could mean that there’s organic growth on major furnace components, which is something a professional HVAC technician needs to handle.
An expert will typically check for this issue during a furnace maintenance tune-up. However, if it’s been a while since your last appointment, or you’ve never scheduled one at all, it’s time to make the call to determine if mold is the cause of the odor.
2. Rotten Eggs
The stench of rotten eggs is so awful that it should spur you to swift action. If this is the present odor emanating from your furnace, it may be due to a natural gas leak. Leave your home and call an HVAC technician immediately so they can advise you of the next steps.
3. Burning Plastic
If you’re smelling burning plastic, call an HVAC expert right away. This is a sign that something may actually be burning within the furnace, likely due to an electrical issue. They will typically advise you to shut off the system immediately and forgo using it until they can come and evaluate the situation.
Your furnace shouldn’t be releasing any strong and abnormal odors. Call Jenkins and Sons Plumbing & Heating for our heating services so we can assess the situation. We also offer emergency furnace services in addition to repairs and installations by standard appointment in Cape May, NJ.
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