It Might Smell

Last week, we went over a few ways to get your HVAC system ready for winter. It’s cooling down a bit this week, and we’re a hop, skip, and a jump away from October, so yeaah, we’re still on winter prep.

If this week is the first week you turn on the heat, it might smell. It might!

If you get a dusty, slightly burnt smell, don’t fret. Yet. It could be dust that’s collected while your heat’s not been used, and it’s probably been off for months. It might burn off after a little while. It’ll smell a bit gross, but not for long.

Here’s what we’d do before it gets properly chilly:

Turn the heat on before you need it. We’re just testing things. Set your thermostat to heat, turn it a few degrees above room temp, and check that warm air comes through the vents. If it doesn’t, that’s probably something you’d rather find out now, huh?!

Pay attention to the smell. A dusty smell on the first run could be totally normal. A smell that lingers, comes back every time the heat runs, or smells like burning plastic? No bueno. Turn the system off and give us a call.

Listen while you’re there. The first run is also your chance to notice anything that sounds off. You know the words: banging, grinding, screeching, whining, wheezing... You don’t need to diagnose it. Just make a note of what happened so you can tell us.

KNOW the smell that can’t wait. If you smell rotten eggs or suspect a gas leak, leave the house immediately and call your gas provider or emergency services from outside. If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get everyone out and call for help.

That’s your first heat test. Turn it on, make sure it heats, and use your eyes, ears, and nose. Better to find a problem while you’re testing the heat than when you actually need it, right?