Why Does My Furnace Smell Like Rotten Eggs in Sterling, VA?

When you use your furnace for the first time this season, you’ll likely notice a mild dusty smell. While this dustiness is normal, several other odors could be potential warning signs. Here’s what you should do if your furnace smells like rotten eggs in Sterling, VA.

Rotten Eggs or Sewage Odor

Your furnace may use natural gas to heat your home. In a well-functioning heating system, this gas stays in the heat exchanger until it’s safely pushed out of the home. Natural gas has no odor, which is why gas companies add mercaptan to create the smell of rotten eggs.

Natural gas poses a serious danger to you and your family. When inhaled, you may experience dizziness, nausea, irregular breathing and fatigue. If you smell rotten eggs near your furnace, immediately call for emergency heating service.

Other Common Smells

A musty odor often means there’s a mold or mildew issue in your ductwork or air conditioner. Electrical burning smells could indicate your furnace is overheating and melting the internal wiring. If your furnace smells like dirty socks when you kick it on, you may have a bacteria problem growing on the system’s coils.

Watch out for a smoky smell, which could mean your furniture, boxes or toys are too close to the furnace. A dusty odor when you first start using your furnace is normal. This occurs when the system is burning away any dust or debris that’s settled on its components.

Importance of HVAC Maintenance

The best way to protect your family and your home from gas leaks and other HVAC emergencies is to schedule annual maintenance. Technicians can check for any signs of structural damage, leaks or corrosion that may impact the system’s safety.

Our team offers a comprehensive list of indoor comfort services in Sterling, VA. Count on Falcon Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for reliable and effective heating repair solutions — call us today!