Strange Boiler Odors and What They Mean in Washington, DC

A boiler is an important component for many homes and commercial buildings in Washington, DC. When the boiler malfunctions, it may emit an unpleasant smell. Here are some common boiler odors and what they say about your boiler.

Rotten Eggs

This is one of the most common odors produced by boilers. When you notice the smell of rotten eggs coming from your boiler, you should immediately consult an expert to check it out. There are several reasons why this can happen, including the accumulation of anaerobic bacteria in the boiler.

The strange rotten egg smell is an indication of sulfur gas coming from the boiler. The warm, wet and enclosed spaces in the boiler encourage the growth of these bacteria. Once they start multiplying, they’ll produce the sulfur that smells like rotten eggs.

A Gas-Like Smell

Most boilers are either powered by natural gas or propane. Both odorless gases produce a strong smell due to an additive. This can mean there’s a loose-fitting part on your boiler, or the gas is leaking from a faulty point.

Such a scenario can be very dangerous for homeowners. Continuous running of the boiler at this state may cause irreparable damages with the risk of starting fires. If this persists, schedule a professional boiler company to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Smokey Smell

If your furnace emits a smokey odor, switch it off and open your windows right away. A clogged boiler chimney or exhaust vent can cause this. The smoke will go into the ductwork and cause respiratory problems.

We’re here to help with your heating, air conditioning, heat pump and indoor air protection needs. When you’re looking for high-quality boiler maintenance services for commercial and residential systems in Washington, DC., contact us at Vernon The Heating & Cooling Specialist.

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