When you turn on your furnace for the first time since last winter, you may notice the smell of burning dust as any debris that has collected in the system is burned off. This should only last for a moment though and after that you should be left with nice, non-smelly heat.
Are you noticing another smell that worries you? This one is distinctly different than the smell of burnt dust and makes you worry that something is seriously wrong. It’s that distinct gas smell, often described as smelling like sulfur or rotten eggs. If you are noticing this scent in your home after turning on your furnace, turn the system off NOW. You have a serious issue on your hands.
Smelling Gas Is a Bad Thing
Natural gas doesn’t actually have a smell. What you are likely smelling is the scent of added ingredients that the gas company adds to the supply in order to create that distinct odor. Why do they do this? So there is one extra layer of warning that allows you to identify a gas leak and protect yourself.
What Steps to Take
If you are smelling gas when you run your furnace, there are certain steps you should take to protect yourself and your loved ones and to get the issue resolved.
- Step 1. Turn off the furnace immediately. If your natural gas furnace is the source of the leak you want to stop the issue at its source.
- Step 2. Evacuate the home. If there is gas in your home it is likely that carbon monoxide is present. This can be dangerous to your health so it is best to evacuate the home for the time being until it is declared safe by an official.
- Step 3. Call emergency services. Gas leaks can be harmful to you and your neighbors if they are bad enough. That is why you should always contact emergency officials if you smell gas in your home. They will be able to tell you if and when it is safe to re-enter the home.
- Step 4. Schedule furnace repairs ASAP. If your furnace is leaking gas, chances are that it has a cracked heat exchanger. To handle this or any other issue in your heating system, you’ll want to schedule a furnace repair in Riverview, FL with a trained professional as soon as you can.
Professional Repairs Make a Difference
Did you follow the steps above first before reaching out for repairs? If so, great! We want to make sure you are safe first and foremost. Once you have followed the steps above, make sure you schedule the repairs for your furnace with a trained professional like the ones on our team. We know exactly how to diagnose a cracked heat exchanger and get it repaired. This way you can enjoy safe and reliable heating in your home again.
When you need EPA and NATE-certified technicians to provide you with reliable and effective repairs, you can contact IERNA’s Heating & Cooling to get the job done. We work hard to exceed customer expectations.