Natural gas is an abundant and affordable source of fuel for heating in many homes. It’s normal to smell gas near your furnace but only in specific situations. Here are potential reasons your heater smells like gas and steps you should take to resolve the issue in Fayetteville, GA.
Gas Leak
Gas leaks are hazardous due to carbon monoxide poisoning and the risk of fires or explosions. If you notice the smell of gas is coming from your home’s air vents and it is constantly there, you might have a gas leak. Other ways to detect gas leakages is checking whether the carbon monoxide detector is going off or when you hear a whistling or hissing sound near the furnace.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause dizziness, flu-like symptoms and eventually death. You can install carbon monoxide detectors to alert you of the presence of the deadly gas. Scheduling annual furnace maintenance will keep your furnace in the best condition to help you avoid gas leaks.
Start of the Heating Season
When your furnace is dormant during the summer, dust and debris can accumulate in the heating unit. If you turn on the furnace for the first time and detect the smell of gas, then it might be the furnace burning off the accumulated debris. You can open windows to increase ventilation and get rid of the smell.
Regular Gas Emissions
Your gas furnace may emit small amounts of gas when cycling on, which is normal and not dangerous. You might also smell gas when your furnace exhaust pipe is blowing back in the windows. Other things might smell like gas in your home, like the propane grill or compost trash.
Scott Walker Heating and Air provides air conditioning and heating services. We offer 24/7 emergency services with expert service professionals that guarantee 100% satisfaction. Contact us today for your heating installation and maintenance services.
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