Don’t settle for a faulty HVAC system. Call Complete Comfort Control for reliable repair services.
Do you have an oil-powered furnace to keep your house warm during the frigid winter months? This heat source is dependable and usually doesn’t come with any strange odors when you run your furnace. This leads us to the question, “Why do I smell oil when my furnace comes on?”
You may notice this particular odor wafting from your furnace for a few reasons. This guide will explain all the top causes of this home heating issue. If you experience strange odors coming from your furnace, contact a trusted HVAC company in the Hamptons to inspect your system and provide a solution.
You Have a Dirty Furnace Filter
A huge part of maintaining your furnace is regularly replacing your HVAC air filter. The filter traps dust, pet hair, and other allergens so your furnace can distribute clean, healthy air throughout your home. Over time, these contaminants can clog the filter and restrict airflow from your furnace.
This causes the system to work harder and impacts your furnace’s overall efficiency. In addition, clogged filters affect your indoor air quality and can even cause widespread damage to the furnace. If there’s a consistent heating oil smell coming from your furnace, check the filter.
The furnace could be running, yet limited air can flow through the filter, leading to the odor. Changing the filter can usually resolve this issue. Make sure you change your filter every two to three months to prevent major issues.
Your Tank Received a Fresh Oil Supply
If you’re wondering, “Why do I smell oil when my furnace comes on?” remember the last time you had your heating oil tank refilled. It’s common to experience faint odors for a few days after crews refill your tank. However, if the scent lasts longer than a couple of days, it’s possible that the contractors spilled some of the supply during delivery.
This is usually no cause for concern. Reach out to a licensed HVAC technician if the scent is overpowering or doesn’t dissipate within a few days. Your furnace could have an underlying problem that needs addressing.
You’re Operating Your Furnace for the First Time
Say you just installed a brand-new oil furnace. It can take some time to become familiar with how it operates. During the initial use, you may notice faint oil smells while the system starts to run. This is no cause for concern and will usually not last very long.
It’s also common to smell oil coming from the furnace when you use it after a long idle period. Many homeowners report smelling heating oil when they power on their furnaces during the first cold stretch of the season. After going several months without use, oil furnaces may give off an odor during the initial operation and then have no smell whatsoever.
Your Furnace Needs Repair
Are you wondering, “Why do I smell oil when my furnace comes on if the filter is clean, I heat my home frequently, and there has been no recent oil delivery?” One final reason may be that your furnace has some sort of mechanical problem. Common furnace issues that may result in strong odors include:
- A cracked heat exchanger
- Damaged burners
- Broken igniter
A professional HVAC technician should inspect your furnace to determine the exact cause of the problem. They may need to perform urgent repairs or, in severe cases, replace the furnace. Choosing a course of action often depends on the extent of the damage, the cost of fixing the problem, and the age of your heating system.
If you suspect your furnace needs repairs, don’t delay. The odors from the furnace can impact your health, so it’s best to minimize your exposure. Contact a trusted heating repair company to assess the situation and provide long-lasting solutions.
Contact Complete Comfort Control’s Trusted HVAC Technicians
Using information from this guide, you no longer need to ask, “Why do I smell oil when my furnace comes on?” The solution could be due to a recent heating oil delivery, or there may be an underlying problem with your oil furnace. The specialists at Complete Comfort Control can inspect your system and resolve any issue.
If your furnace is loud, emitting fuel oil odors, or malfunctioning, we’re the team you can count on for fast, accurate repairs. Contact our technicians at (631) 380-1646 or submit our online form to request a service appointment.