3 Furnace Odors and What They Mean in New Lenox, IL

When you first turn on a brand-new furnace, you might expect a few mild odors to appear as the system establishes itself. However, strong and persistent odors lingering around your New Lenox, IL, home during ordinary furnace operations are never a good sign. Here’s some information about what a few furnace odors might mean:

Gas or Rotten Eggs

This smell, in addition to being particularly unpleasant, is typically a sign of imminent danger. That’s because the smell of gas, rotten eggs or sulfur usually points to the existence of a gas leak. If you notice this smell, we strongly recommend that you immediately turn off your furnace, request professional repairs and take care of the problem.

Dust, Smoke or Car Exhaust

If you notice a persistent smell of dust, smoke or car exhaust in your home, then your furnace almost certainly has an airflow problem. A dusty smell generally indicates that your system’s air filters are dirty and are therefore unable to prevent dust and other pollutants from getting into your home.

The smell of car exhaust indicates a ventilation problem. Specifically, it’s almost certain that your unit’s vent pipe is dysfunctional. To fix problems like these and keep your indoor air quality from declining, we suggest scheduling furnace maintenance services.

No Smell and a Yellow Pilot Light

Paradoxically, the most worrying smell to come from your furnace may be no smell at all — if, that is, a yellow pilot light also happens to accompany this odorless condition. This combination of events means that carbon monoxide is leaking from your furnace. Because carbon monoxide is odorless, you won’t be able to smell it, but sensors in the furnace itself will be able to detect it.

If your pilot light turns yellow, leave your home as soon as possible and call for professional service. Since carbon monoxide is highly toxic, you will need the services of a trained service technician to resolve this issue.

Fierce odors coming from your furnace are a surefire sign that you need to take action. Call Climate Master Mechanical Contractors, Inc. to ask for our heating services in New Lenox, IL.

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