This could be the sign of a gas leak. While that is a pretty scary introduction, gas leaks can be a serious hazard in your home and should not be taken lightly. However, if you are smelling gas in a certain area or only during certain times, there may be another explanation. Let us take a look at some of the most common scenarios and why it may cause your HVAC exhaust to smell like gas.
Dust The issue: If you have not started your HVAC system for a while, like in a vacation home, you may smell a strange scent when the heat first kicks on. It might smell like rotten eggs or a gas burning smell. During the summer, dust may settle within the HVAC unit or system, and when the furnace turns on, the dust gets burned off. The solution: If the scent is coming from your furnace when you first start it up for the season, it is likely dust burning off.
The scent will go away on its own over a short period of time. Exhaust Pipe The issue: The gas from your furnace exhaust pipe which expels outdoors is blowing back through an open window or door to your home. It is totally normal to smell a gas smell in the exhaust from your HVAC system, as this is how it expels used fuel or gas that may not have been completely used in your system.
Pay attention to when you notice the smell and see if the wind is always coming from the same direction. If so, you may just need to close a window or flue. The first time your furnace is used in the winter — when furnaces sit idle for months, dust and debris build up. The first time you turn it on, you might detect a bit of gas odor as it clears out the cobwebs and burns up the dust.
Know When to Call about a Gas Leak A gas leak is extremely dangerous due to carbon monoxide poisoning as well as the risk of explosions or fires. Open the windows before testing! Is the smell constantly there i. Do you hear a hissing or whistling sound near the furnace or another gas appliance?
You can actually hear and not just smell a gas leak if it is coming from a pipe or behind the wall. Gas makes a sound when it is leaking from the gas line. If you can pinpoint the smell and you can hear an associated sound, then be sure to take immediate action to prevent more gas from escaping. If a particular patch of your lawn is dying brownish, yellowish color , then an underground gas leak could be to blame. If there is a slow leak, then the lawn or plants directly above will begin to die.
If you do smell, hear, or locate a gas leak, do not remain indoors. Seek immediate help from the fire department if it is an emergency situation. You do not want to use any appliance that could cause a spark. Preventing a gas fire is the number one priority once a gas leak is identified. Professional HVAC companies provide annual safety and efficiency inspections of gas appliances and heaters that can be life-saving.
We highly recommend scheduling annual heating and fireplace maintenance in the fall, before the winter heating season begins. Learn why fall is the best time to schedule heating maintenance.
We provide precision tune-ups for all central air conditioning and heating systems and are familiar with all makes and models. Every Service Champions team member in your home will be equipped with the following: Shoe covers Disposable latex gloves Face masks Disinfecting wipes Antibacterial soap We will remain open full-time to service and maintain our clients heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality needs 7 days a week.
Something smells like rotten eggs! Contact your local poison control center if you feel affected by exposure to natural gas. What to Do If You Smell Gas In the Home Here are some things that you can do if you smell gas in your home: If you can smell gas in your home, avoid lighting matches and other fire sources.
Do not use any electrical devices or appliances that could cause a spark; avoiding potential fire risks is key. Turn off the source of the gas if you can, immediately evacuate the entire household, and call the fire department from a safe distance.
Then call your gas company and your local heating company.
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