With the cold weather setting in earnest, you’re probably running your furnace a lot. As long as it’s blowing hot, you may be tempted to ignore some potential warning signs. If you smell strange odors coming from your furnace, they could be indicators that something is wrong with the system. Below, Duncklee Cooling & Heating Inc, of Stonington, CT, shares some smells you should never ignore.

You may have heard the interesting anecdote that the gas used to fuel your stove, furnace, water heater, and other appliances has no natural scent. Gas companies add a harmless chemical called mercaptan, which has a rotten egg smell, so you can tell when there’s a potentially dangerous leak. If your furnace is giving off a rotten odor, it could be an indication of a natural gas leak. Contact your gas company as soon as possible to have them check the situation.

If your furnace isn’t working properly, some of its high-speed components can rub against others, creating friction and producing an electrical burning smell. If it’s ignored, this problem can lead to your furnace’s failure or even a fire. Have your furnace repair contractor take a look at it before the problem gets worse.

Your furnace can give off some chemical smells that can be dangerous too. If your heat exchanger is cracked, carbon monoxide can escape into your home’s ductwork. This can compromise your indoor air quality and should be addressed immediately. Your HVAC contractor should be able to treat the problems effectively.

If your system is giving off worrisome odors and you need a contractor to take a look at your furnace, contact the professionals at Duncklee Cooling & Heating Inc. For over 40 years, they have served both residential and commercial clients and are eager to provide green, reliable, and quality heating and cooling installations, maintenance, and repair. Contact them by calling (860) 535-2552 or visit the website to learn more.