We rely on our furnaces to keep us warm during a Calgary winter, but there are times when that system can give off some pretty weird smells. While some of these odors aren’t necessarily a problem, others are warning signs that your furnace is in trouble and that there could be a fire hazard involved (1). If you notice a strange smell from your furnace, it’s always a good idea to shut off the system, leave your home and call an HVAC professional for help (2).URL: https://alpheating.ca/furnace-repair/weird-furnace-smells/

Odd Furnace Smells That Usually Aren’t Cause for Concern

For most of the year, your furnace goes unused. As such, dust accumulates on various components of the system. When you first turn the system on in fall or winter, that dust is heated and burned off, giving off a burning smell. While this odor isn’t great for your health, it usually dissipates after a few heating cycles.

On the other hand, if you notice a rotten egg or sewage-like scent when your furnace is running, it’s definitely time to evacuate your home and contact an HVAC professional for assistance (3). This smell means that there is a gas leak in your system, which can be very dangerous for you and your family.

A burning plastic smell is another sign that something is overheating inside your furnace (4). This usually indicates that a capacitor, plastic-coated wires or fan belt are scorching because of a malfunctioning component. It’s best to shut off the system and contact a technician immediately to prevent a fire hazard from occurring.