Natural gas is highly flammable and dangerous when you inhale. That means you should take necessary precautions when you smell gas from your furnace. It’s not normal to smell gas near a furnace unless the unit is faulty. If you smell a faint gas smell near the unit when it’s running, it’s probably nothing to stress about. Gas furnaces can sometimes emit small gas amounts when running. However, you may need furnace repair services if the faint gas smell gets stronger or becomes persistent by the day.
What to Do
A gas smell around the furnace is a sign of gas leaks. You need to take immediate precautions if you smell gas around your furnace as you wait for an expert in furnace repair. The first step should be to turn off the furnace via the thermostat and ventilate the house to get rid of the gas. You should also turn off the main gas supply to the heater and call a furnace professional for diagnosis and repair. Here are some possible causes of furnace gas leaks.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger component of your furnace is responsible for heating your home’s air. Several things cause cracked heat exchangers, but the common cause is overheating. A cracked component allows the gases to mix with the heated air that enters your indoor air. It’s essential to repair a cracked heat exchanger because it can be hazardous to your family.
Back-Drifting Furnace
Back-drifting happens when combustion gases leak from the furnace into your house, rather than exiting the residence through the exhaust flue. Some possible causes of back-drafting may include leaky ducts and a leaky, disconnected, or clogged flue. Additionally, running too many exhaust fans in the house can cause back-drifting.
Gas Line or Valve Leak
Natural gas gets to the furnace through gas lines. The gas valve controls gas flow into the furnace through gas lines. If a gas line or valve leaks, you’ll notice a strong gas smell around the furnace. Gas lines leak due to improper installation, age, and accidental damage.
You’ll require a professional to inspect and repair your furnace if you smell gas around it. We have a team of trained and experienced professionals in Sonora for furnace and air conditioner repairs You can also rely on us for humidifiers, ventilation, zoning systems, thermostats, and air purifiers. Contact Gatewood Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today if you can smell gas around your home’s furnace.
