If your furnace has received professional maintenance by a heating oil expert over the years, it will more than likely operate without any problems.
But sometimes, especially if you’ve ignored the importance of getting regular heating system maintenance, your furnace will give you warning signs of a problem – and those signs will often come in the form of odd smells.
Strange odors emanating from your furnace can indicate several problems; some are easy to fix, some are more complex. Here are some common furnace odors and what they may mean for your heating equipment. (Note: a correct diagnosis can only be made with an onsite visit by a qualified service technician).
Checking Your Furnace Air Filter: Why It’s So Important
One way to help your furnace operate without any trouble is to change or clean your furnace’s air filter as often as the manufacturer recommends. In general, you should check the filter’s condition about once a month and change/clean it when necessary.
If your air filter gets clogged with dust and other debris, there is less room for air to flow through your system and through your home. Your furnace will need to work harder to circulate air, which will result in an increase in your heating costs. Your home will become less comfortable and the indoor air quality will degrade. If neglected for too long, a dirty air filter can cause your furnace to shut down.
If you’re not sure how to change/clean the air filter yourself but would like to, please contact your heating oil service provider for advice.
And if you think your oil furnace has seen better days and needs to be replaced, please go here to see how you can qualify for a $300 rebate when you install a new, high-efficiency oil furnace. You’ll be on your way to saving more money and energy for years to come—and should not have to worry about any strange odors coming from your furnace.