Should My Furnace Smell Like Heating Oil?
Many American homes use heating oil as it is a dependable furnace fuel. It is highly efficient and affordable, ensuring that your home is safe and comfy during the cold winter months. When you use heating oil and whiff out an odor, homeowners become concerned about whether the smell is going to be an issue around the house. In most cases, the heating oil smell will likely disappear immediately. There are some events that the odor persists, and that is when you should call an HVAC technician from McAllister Energy. An expert will inspect your unit to find the root cause and help you achieve a high quality of indoor air at home.
Is It Normal To Smell Heating Oil?
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The smell of heating oil around your house is not a normal occurrence. However, there are some situations where this event can happen. It can be fleeting or persistent. Here are some of the likely explanations for this issue:
1. Oil Tank Received A Recent Refill
Did you get a recent refill for your oil tank? If so, then it is not unusual for the smell of heating oil to linger for a few days. The faint smell should go away on its own after that. If you notice that it is taking longer than it should, check to see if the delivery crew spilled some heating oil on the ground. You can clean this up by using a porous material to avoid further spread. Remove any damaged items and use soap and water to scrub the surface clean.
McAllister Energy offers safe and reliable heating oil deliveries in Camden County, New Jersey. With us on the job, you can rest easy knowing that we can deliver your heating oil without any hitches or spills. Get in touch with us today to know all about our heating oil delivery services.
2. Furnace Was Used Again After Being Idle For A Long Time
Furnaces are not in use during the hot months. This means that they sit idle for a long time as they are only turned on again when the cold season begins. Therefore, it is not unusual that you smell burning oil around your house when you switch on your furnace after a long period of inactivity. The smell should dissipate soon, so there is no need to fret over this.
3. Dirty Furnace Filter
The oil smell permeating around your house might be due to a dirty air filter. Changing your furnace filter must be done every two to three months or more, depending on the specifications of your home. Check to see if this is what’s causing the odor. If even after you replaced the HVAC air filter you still smell heating oil, then there is likely another reason.
4. An Underlying Furnace Problem
The smell could be a sign that your furnace has a deeper problem. It could be operating inefficiently. When the heating oil does not combust completely, the leftover oil could be what you are smelling. Cracks might also be present in your oil burner, and fumes are escaping via these gaps. Another cause could be a malfunctioning heat exchanger. Regardless of what it could be, an experienced HVAC contractor can pinpoint the exact cause. A licensed HVAC technician from McAllister Energy has the skill and knowledge to make sure your furnace is on tiptop shape for the cold season.
Is The Smell Of Heating Oil Dangerous?
How the smell of heating oil can affect our health is what many asks about. This is primarily a concern for homeowners whose tank is located in a closed area like the basement. Truthfully, heating oil fumes do not pose a danger as much as natural gas does. Getting exposed to low concentrations of heating oil for a short time should not be a problem. It also won’t explode as heating oil is stable enough.
However, although it is not as toxic, it is always best to avoid inhaling it. Being exposed for prolonged periods can have adverse effects on your health. If you can’t find the source, then contact your local trusted HVAC technician for assistance right away.
What To Do?
Perform the recommended actions in the list above. Make sure you turn off your HVAC system first as an extra safety precaution. Ventilate your home by opening windows. It would be best if you also made sure that pets and children stay outside while the smell is present indoors.
When you think that your furnace is experiencing a deeper problem, do not hesitate to seek expert assistance. There might be more happening than what your eyes and ears can perceive. The most viable solution is to have a professional come and inspect your HVAC system.
Final Thoughts
Our sense of smell can alert us when something is wrong. Foul odors around the house can mean that your furnace is experiencing problems. Therefore, you need to pinpoint the cause as soon as possible to prevent the problem from escalating. It is not a normal occurrence for the smell of heating oil to spread throughout your house. Usual causes include oil deliveries, blocked furnace filters, and the initial furnace start-up. Call an HVAC professional to determine the cause and solve it quickly.
Contact McAllister Energy For Best Quality Home Comfort Solutions
When you need excellent heating and cooling services in Camden County, New Jersey, make sure to call McAllister Energy. Each of our friendly techs is licensed, and NATE certified to conduct superior installations, repairs, replacements, and maintenance. We guarantee that we have extensive knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure that all services are done correctly and promptly.
McAllister Energy offers affordable HVAC services prices in the area. Our tune-ups will ensure that your unit can provide you with the home comfort, indoor air quality, and efficiency you deserve while reducing your energy costs. We have the know-how to the most advanced solutions to help you achieve all your comfort needs. Your satisfaction is important to us, so all our services are backed with a guarantee. Our services also include quick and affordable fuel oil deliveries. Book an appointment with us today. Give McAllister Energy a call and get free, in-home estimates.
You can click here to contact us now or call us at (856) 665-4545 to find out more!