When something goes wrong with a heating system, it helps enormously to have the repairs done as soon as possible. That can take a small problem—say, an issue with the blower fan motor—and get it sorted out before it gets any bigger. You want to repair that motor, not wait until it needs to be replaced! So prompt repairs are critical.
That means you must be aware of when your heating system is working properly and when something starts to go wrong. How can you tell there’s a problem with your heating system? Odd noises, higher bills, and cold spots in your home are all clues. Another sign of a heating system problem is strange smells. Do odors always mean you need furnace repair? No, but sometimes it’s urgent! Here are the details.
Not to Worry: You Just Need Maintenance
Some smells are just a sign that you’ve forgotten to have heating maintenance done in the fall. When you turn on your heat for the first time during a cold spell, a freshly-maintained heating system won’t make any odors. That’s because in addition to inspecting, testing, and lubricating, maintenance includes a deep-cleaning for your furnace. Without that cleaning, it’s full of dust!
If all you’re smelling is hot dust, and it is the first time you’ve used your heat this season, everything is probably fine. Air out your house, give it an hour, and the smell should be gone. Just make sure you schedule that maintenance appointment now!
Schedule an Appointment: You Need Repairs
If that smell doesn’t go away, or if your heating system smells when it’s not the first time you’ve used it, a technician should come take a look. You might smell something scorching, plastic melting, or that hot-metal odor of overheating machinery. Having it fixed straightaway will limit the amount of damage that this overheating can do.
Emergency Repairs: Serious Problems
Electrical fires are very dangerous, and if you have any suspicion that this is happening or likely to happen, consider it an emergency. You might smell a sharper, acrid odor. You might even smell fish, because electrical fires and dead fish both release ammonia. Or you might simply notice crackling, buzzing, scorch marks, soot, or sparks in addition to the overheating odor. Turn off the furnace! Get emergency assistance.
Evacuate Your Home: Gas Leaks
Perhaps the most frightening thing you can learn about heating your home with natural gas is that it has no odor! How will you ever detect a gas leak? To solve this problem, natural gas suppliers add a compound called mercaptan that artificially gives the fuel an unpleasant and noticeable odor. Does it smell like someone hard-boiled several dozen eggs in your kitchen? Evacuate!
Take your family and pets outside. Get at least 300 feet from your home. If you have close neighbors, such as in condominiums, warn them to get out, too. Then call for help from a safe distance. The emergency line of your natural gas supplier is a good choice. If you can’t get through or can’t find that number, just dial 911.
Remember, getting that heating maintenance done each year won’t just solve problems. It will prevent them from beginning! Most of these alarming concerns can be avoided completely with routine service. And if you do need furnace repair in Marana, AZ, get it done right away.
Contact Picture Rocks Cooling, Heating & Plumbing today with any questions or to schedule an appointment with our professionals.