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The smell of gas at the boiler – even the slightest bit – can make anyone panic. And rightly so.
A good, efficient boiler should provide you and your family clean and safe heating for your home for many years. However, the machine is subjected to normal wear and tear and boiler problems can occur, compromising the safe use of the boiler.
One sign of this is if your boiler starts producing odd smells. These unusual smells are a sign that there is something wrong with the boiler. It should also tell you your health and your family’s maybe in danger.
Determining the smell of gas at the boiler
Knowing how to diagnose these smells can save your life. Here are some tips on how to do this.
- Rotten egg – This is the same eggy, sulphur smell that you might sometimes catch a whiff of on your gas cooker. This is an indication that there is a gas leak in your boiler. A gas leak, even a small one, can spell catastrophe if it comes in contact with naked flame. If you smell this coming from your boiler, immediately extinguish any naked flames, open all doors and windows and leave your house right away. Call your local gas company or fire department once you are safely out of your home.
- Burning or heavy dust – During months when you don’t use your boiler, like during summer, you might smell burning fabric or gas when you turn it on. This is usually caused by the build up of dust from the boiler’s housing. Let your boiler burn off this collected dust. You can also try cleaning or replacing the furnace air filters. If the smell continues to persist, call your local engineer. This can be an indication of a more serious boiler problem.
- Metallic, electrical or overheating – Because your boiler is composed of various electrical elements, problems can arise from electrical circuits hen the wires get disconnected or get frayed from regular wear and tear. This can even speed up as your boiler is constantly exposed to heat. If these electrical circuits get too hot, they will emit a smell similar to burning metal or oil or melted plastic. If you can smell this on your boiler, turn it off immediately and call your local gas safe registered engineer. Keep an eye on your boiler to make sure nothing combusts after you have turned it off.
If you do smell gas at your boiler – or any other smell – and are not sure what to do, call your local engineer or boiler company right away.
