Winters in Elgin, Illinois, require the furnace to run for the majority of the year.
The system combats temperatures well below zero on a regular basis. Like any appliance, the heating system needs regular maintenance and cleaning to operate efficiently, effectively and reliably. When I first start up the furnace, I typically notice the smell of burning dust wafting from the vents. This odor reminds me to schedule service from a local HVAC contractor. The technician takes care of cleaning the various components, verifying safe operation and making any necessary adjustments. If he should find any minor issues, these repairs are resolved before they graduate into much bigger and more expensive concerns. Last winter, I noticed a strange smell from the furnace several months after the proactive maintenance was completed. The air from the vents smelled musty and there was a significant amount of dust blowing around. I was worried about indoor air quality and the health of my family. I hoped that replacing the air filter would fix the problem. When I researched online, I learned that the odors could be due to mold growth inside the heating system, overheating or parts not operating properly. I decided to schedule service right away. The technician checked out the furnace and found that the issues were caused by the ductwork. There was a buildup of dust and other debris inside the pipes. Whenever the furnace started up, the allergens and odors were getting spread to every room in the house. Fortunately, duct cleaning took care of it.