What’s That Smell Coming From My Boiler in Alexandria, VA?

Many homeowners in Alexandria, VA, still depend on boilers to provide heat to their homes. Modern boiler systems are highly efficient, and the fact that they make use of natural gas makes them more affordable than many heating systems powered by electricity in many parts of the country. Boilers can also alert owners to potential problems by producing a bad smell.

The Smell of Eggs

The smell of eggs coming from your boiler warrants an immediate call to a technician. Turn off your boiler and leave the house until professional help arrives. This smell is sometimes the result of a poorly performing burner but can also be a sign of a larger gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, but providers add chemicals that emit a rotten egg smell when burning to natural gas to warn homeowners of leaks.

Burning Smell

It’s not uncommon for a boiler to produce a burning smell every so often when dirt and debris come into contact with the metal coil responsible for the heat the boiler generates. An occasional burning smell isn’t a cause for worry. However, there may be a problem with the burner or air filter in your system if this smell is reoccurring.

Rotting Smell

A rotten smell coming from a boiler is often a sign that a bird, rodent, or other small animal has died in your home. A stronger smell may mean the dead animal is in the flue of the boiler, within the walls, or under the floor near the boiler.

Your boiler will often give off a bad smell when the system isn’t working as it should. However, it’s not a good idea to assume you can diagnose a problem with your boiler based on smell alone. Contact Indoor Air Quality Medics Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a service call with one of our experienced boiler technicians.

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