4 Reasons Your Furnace in Wilmington, NC, Smells like Oil

There are still homes that use heating oil today, either because of its cost-effectiveness or accessibility. Even though it’s considered stable and safe, it can be problematic, especially if you skip maintenance. In this article, we’ll look at some of the reasons your furnace in Wilmington, NC, smells like oil.

Inefficient or Faulty Burner

You may notice the smell of oil emanating from your furnace if your burner is inefficient at combustion. The burner may fail to raise the temperature sufficiently due to dirt and debris on the heating element.

A professional inspection should confirm the source of the odor. However, we recommend scheduling furnace maintenance twice a year to reduce incidences of breakdowns or costly replacements.

Overheating due to Airflow Obstructions

If there’s an obstruction within the ductwork, it can force components in your furnace to overheat. A dirty filter can stop the free flow of conditioned air into your home. The smell could be coming from parts of your equipment that are overheating.

Burner Has Cracks

If the burner has cracks, it can allow fumes to escape into the room and spread to the rest of the house. Any time you notice the odor, shut down your system and open the windows. Increase ventilation to prevent further spread of the fumes and consult a certified HVAC service technician.

Recent Oil Refill

An oil spill when you’re refilling the tank can leave an odor lingering in your home. Be sure to wipe it, preferably with an absorbent oil powder. If the smell persists after a few days, you may want to consult a service technician for a thorough inspection.

It’s always wise to schedule repairs whenever you suspect parts of your equipment are faulty. Call Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning for quality furnace solutions in Wilmington, NC, today.

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