There are some smells you do want in your home, such as the aroma of freshly baked cookies or the scent of a burning candle, and there are some smells most people typically do not want in their homes, like the distinct odor of gasoline or the smell of rotten eggs. In some cases, an unpleasant odor can serve as a warning sign that something is up or needs attention. A musty odor, for example, can often indicate mold.
If you think you are smelling oil, it is a good idea to have a certified and trained technician from SMO Energy visit your home and check out the situation as soon as possible. While you might not be in immediate danger, the scent of oil can indicate that your heating system needs repair.
What Does Oil Smell Like?
Your home’s furnace and oil tank might produce a range of smells at different times. Some are not anything to worry about, while others can point to a leak or another issue with the functioning of your heating system. Knowing what to keep a nose out for will help you decide the next steps to take.
What Causes an Oil Smell?
If an oil furnace smells like oil, it is possible that everything is still functioning properly. It could also mean your tank needs attention. Several things can make your home smell like oil:
The system has not been used for a while: Just as you might smell burning dust when turning your furnace back on for the first time, you might notice a slight scent of oil when you use your furnace again at the start of the season. If the smell fades fast, it is usually not a problem.
The filter is clogged: In addition to making your system work less efficiently, a clogged filter can also can cause the system to produce a detectable oil smell. Replacing the filter is often enough to fix the issue.
There is a leak in the oil tank: If the oil tank has a leak and oil is seeping out, you will be able to smell it. The location of the tank and the severity of the leak can influence the strength of the smell. If the tank is indoors, you might notice a stronger smell compared to if the tank is situated outside.
The oil tank was recently refilled: It is common to notice a slight smell after your tank has been filled up. The smell could be from a small amount of oil that spilled out during the refill, or it could just be some errant fumes escaping before the lid was put back on.
Your heating system is malfunctioning: The smell of oil can be a sign that something is wrong with your furnace. It could be that the system is not fully combusting the fuel or that there is a crack in the oil burner. In any case, having a trained technician inspect your system is a good idea.
Why Do I Smell Oil When My Furnace Comes On?
If your oil furnace smells like oil when you switch it on for the first time after a long, hot summer, you are most likely in the clear. That is a normal part of reengaging your heating system after it has been out of action for months. The smell should fade quickly as your furnace burns off any residue.
If you smell oil every time the furnace kicks in during a normal day’s cycle, you could have a clogged burner, an oil spill in the blower cabinet, a crack in the heat exchange or an ignition delay. AnHVAC servicer specializing in oil furnaces can diagnose and remedy the issue for you. They may also recommendreplacing it with a more efficient model to lower energy costs.
If you are concerned about the smell of oil in or around your home or have noticed other signs of a leak in your oil tank, the sooner you take action, the better. The process of cleaning and containing an oil spill in Maryland can be long and involved, not to mention expensive.