With crisp autumn weather finally making its way to the Permian Basin, it’s the time of year for turning on the heater after a long summer of air conditioning. As soon as you flip the switch, you hear the click of the furnace and BOOM! An acrid odor fills your house.
So how do you know if this is normal or if you’ve got a problem? Read on to find out!
Go For The Easiest Fix First
One of the biggest offenders of that icky smell is often a dirty filter. When not in use over the warmer months, dust and other particulates like pollen and pet dander can collect on the furnace filter. The warm air blows the dust through the ducts and puts it into circulation in your home. Our recommendation is to change the filter prior to turning on the heating system. We are happy to set up a service appointment to take care of this for you, as well.
Be Safe And Check The Main Culprit
If you smell smoke, first turn off the furnace and check it to make sure there isn’t a fire. If there is a fire, vacate the premises immediately and call emergency services. This is an unlikely event, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If there is not fire but you continue to smell something unusual after turning on the heater for the first time of the season, there could be additional issues going on and should be inspected by a professional.
That “Cooked Dirt” Smell
When the furnace sits unused during the summer months, the combustion chamber accumulates bits of dust, pollen, and other particles. When the unit initially heats up after being dormant, it directly burns off anything that’s accumulated on it. The duct system then pushes the nasty odor through the house. It’s one of the few scents of fall that’s a lot less inviting than the scent of baking pies or campfires.
D&D is here to meet all of your heating needs, from funky smells to routine seasonal inspections to replacing entire furnace units. We encourage you to set up your appointment today.