Why Does My Gas Furnace Smell When I First Turn It On in the Fall?

It’s probably been a hot minute since you last turned on your furnace. But what’s the deal with the smell? Let’s uncover why you might notice a gas furnace smell in South Minneapolis, MN, and whether it’s something to worry about.

Danger or Dust Bunnies?

Being concerned about odd smells coming from your gas furnace makes sense — some furnace smells can indicate real trouble. Fortunately, some smells are expected. Many furnace odors are due to dust that has collected on the electrical elements or heat exchanger finally burning off.

This dust is not necessarily the cause of a furnace odor; when in doubt, call for furnace maintenance and have it checked out. However, many homeowners wait until after the furnace’s first cycle to see if the smell goes away before jumping to conclusions.

Is It a Problem?

You should only smell burning dust once, right after the furnace’s first few cycles. Generally, this smell doesn’t indicate a problem. 

But if your system has a lot of dust, it could need an expert evaluation. Leaving your furnace off for months during the summer isn’t great for the system, and neither is all the dust collecting on its components.

What Smells Should You Be Worried About?

If the smell of burning dust lingers well past the first cycle, something could be wrong with your system. Additionally, you might notice a gas smell in South Minneapolis, MN, that isn’t normal.

A smell that reminds you of sulfur or rotten eggs could be a serious issue that you should have checked out immediately. Other smells, such as burning plastic, could suggest your furnace has electrical issues. This usually means the components are breaking down and need expert attention.

Address Your Gas Furnace Smell in South Minneapolis, MN, Today

Are you still feeling a bit stressed about your gas furnace smells? Let us help you get your furnace into tip-top shape this fall. Contact Blue Yeti today to learn more about our services or to book your appointment with a technician.