Why Does Your Heater Smell Strange? Here's What You Need to Know
It’s never a good sign when your heater produces an unpleasant odor. Heating systems and other household appliances, both big and small, can produce odors for many reasons and can usually be fixed quickly by a professional.
Anytime there’s a strange smell coming from your furnace or heater, it’s important to investigate what’s causing it. Typically, a heater odor will fall into one of three categories:
Burning Smells
A foul, burning smell coming from your heater means something isn’t working correctly. Since it could be an electrical issue, it’s important to shut down your appliance immediately and call in an experienced appliance repair technician.
Rotten Egg Smell
A smell similar to rotten eggs usually occurs when your household appliance isn’t vented correctly. This could be happening because of blockages, or your system has cracked seams in the venting pipe.
Mold and Mildew
If your heater smells musty, the cause is most likely mold and mildew. This could be because of a buildup of dust, dirt and debris, or a leaky water heater.
No matter the specific cause of the smell, it’s important to have an experienced heating system and appliance repair technician inspect your heater for any sign of damage. It could be anything from too much dust buildup on the motor, to a cracked heat exchanger, a rodent infestation, or oil, gas, and other debris that’s been left to build up in the vents.
How to Properly Ventilate Your Heater
If you are experiencing a strange smell coming from your heater, start by ensuring your unit has plenty of ventilation, both indoors and outside. Good ventilation helps the heater stay free of dirt, dust, and other debris so it can continue to run properly and efficiently.
The fan that’s built into your heater should always be running. Not only will it help keep the temperature in your house consistent, but it will also release any excess fumes that may arise. If your heater fan isn’t working as it should, you can try to clean it yourself with a vacuum or you can call in a repair technician for assistance.
Schedule an Appointment with a Professional Technician
Scheduling an appointment with a reliable appliance repair technician will ensure the job is done properly and your heater is in good working order. The technician can inspect the area around and behind the heater, check for any cracks, blockages or leaking water, as well as inspect the fan to ensure it is in good condition.
If you are experience a strange smell coming from your furnace or heater, don’t hesitate to call in a qualified appliance repair technician. Typically, a professional will catch and fix any hidden issues before they become bigger, costlier problems.
When it comes to caring for your heating system, it is best to trust a friendly and reliable professional to take a look. If you wish to read more information about Heater Smells Strange, then visit AC Installation & Repair or call Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222.
Heater Smells Strange
PLEASE make sure your heater is installed and functioning correctly to avoid strange smells. Here are a few manufacturer recommendations and local appliance or HVAC technician's recommendations to help prevent strange smells while heating your home:
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Have a Professional Install the Heater and Check it Regularly – a professional should install the heater and check it annually. An incorrectly installed heater can cause strange smells, so it is important to make sure it is installed properly. The professional will also be able to detect any developing problems early, and take corrective measures.
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Replace the Furnace Filter Regularly – replacing and cleaning the filter regularly is important to avoid strange smells. The filter should be replaced once every 6 months, or when it begins to show signs of wear and tear.
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Clean the Heater Unit – the furnace and heater unit should be cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner and small brush to remove any dirt and dust that may be accumulating. This should be done on a periodic basis, such as every 6 months or so.
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Check the Ventilation System – make sure the ventilation system is in top condition and there are no clogged vents. Clogged vents can cause very potent odd smells due to the build-up of air pockets.
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Inspect the Heater's Components – inspect the various components of the heater, such as burners, belts, and air filters. If any of these components are not functioning correctly, they may cause strange smells.
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Have a Professional Clean the Heater – a professional should be hired to clean the heater thoroughly at least every 6 months. This will make sure the heater is completely clean and working correctly, which can help prevent odd smells.
Preventing strange smells from a heater can be fairly easy if the proper steps are taken. Following the above manufacturer recommendations or local appliance or HVAC technician's recommendations can help ensure your heater will run correctly and not emit any strange smells.
Average Repair Cost for Heater Smells Strange
Strange odors from a heater can indicate a serious issue. To solve the problem, it's best to contact a qualified specialist for an inspection and repair. Minimum repair or installation costs for the city of San Diego can vary from $100 – $800, with complex repairs ranging from $800 – $2,000.
The cost for parts and labor can vary significantly. Common parts that need to be replaced are the blower motor, run capacitor, contactors, safety switches, filter, and any wiring or piping that needs to be replaced. Materials for repair may cost an additional $50 – $150.
It's important to have a qualified professional do the inspection and repairs in order to avoid any costly mistakes. To find reliable appliance repair in San Diego, it is recommended to contact Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222, or visit their website here.
Signs that Your Heater Smells Strange
Having your heater malfunctioning and emitting a strange smell is an unpleasant experience. Heaters can cause a wide range of odors, some of which may be dangerous. If you notice your heater smelling strange, you should not ignore it. Familiarizing yourself with the smells associated with heater malfunctioning can help you in recognizing problems and mitigate further damages.
Common Heater Smells
The most common signs indicating a malfunctioning heater are an electrical or musty smell. Electrical smells are a result of a circuit overheating and burning, while musty smells come from bacteria and mold growing within the ducts or furnace walls. Another strange smell is a burning plastic odor, which is a sign of the wires or other plastic parts melting inside your heater.
How Can you Diagnose and Fix the Problem?
If you ever detect a strange odor coming from your heater, it is important to diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible. The best way to do so is to contact a local HVAC and appliance repair company. A specialized technician will be able to inspect the heater, detect the source of the odor, and provide a solution.
Get Reliable Assistance for Heater Smells Strange
If you need immediate assistance for your heater, we recommend contacting Reliable Appliance Repair. It's a local, family-owned San Diego HVAC and appliance repair company specializing in same-day services. Their highly trained technicians have a minimum of 5 years experience, and dealing with Heater Smells Strange is their everyday job. Plus, as a first time customer, you can get $25 off labor. For reliable assistance with strange odors, call (866) 516-1222.
FAQ: Why Does Your Heater Smell Strange? Here's What You Need to Know
What causes a strange smell from my heater?
The strange odor may be caused by several things, such as dust and mold, rodents, animals, burning wiring, or a build-up of dust in the ducts and vents.
What should I do if I smell a strange odor from my heater?
If you notice an unusual scent coming from your heater, it's best to turn it off right away and contact a qualified appliance repair technician.
How do I get rid of the strange odor from my heater?
A professional technician can inspect and properly diagnose the source of the smell and recommend the best solution. Depending on the cause, they may clean the affected area, replace problematic components, or provide other repairs and maintenance.
What are the risks of ignoring strange odors coming from my heater?
Ignoring the strange smell can lead to safety risks, such as increased fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, dust or debris clogs, and other issues.
For any further questions or concerns, we recommend calling Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222.