heater has occasional smells off and on for 5 years, can't find cause- help!

Ok, here's the story. I have an oil burner that, when it runs it sometimes has a smell. When the old furnace went bad about 6 years ago, I had it replaced but the smell remained. My guess is that it has something to do with the ducts, but what could be causing it? Unfortunately, the ducts run under the house and this is a single story home with foundation and no crawl space. Over the last several years, drainage problems developed with the foundation but it has only been this winter that they were finally fixed. Up until that time, water would seep into the foundational cracks. I have suspected for some time that perhaps water got into the ducts and became stagnant there causing the smell, but I am now stumpted because the smell still comes and goes even though the foundation problems were remedied. I am at my wits end because it's not a good smell when it comes and I don't know what it could be doing to our health. I have had several HVAC people here over the years and they can't come up with anything other than the furnace itself is working fine. I'd really like to get this solved once and for all and welcome any suggestions. The last time I posted here, someone suggested a dead animal in the ducts but this wouldn't smell off and on for five years I wouldn't think. Is there the possibility that even though the foundation is fixed, stagnant water could still be in the ducts but then why would the smell still be occasional? Help, help help, PLEASE!!

Reply to
heaterdrivingmenuts
Loading thread data ...

Find a duct cleaning outfit that has a camera they can snake into the ducts. Until then, you dont' know if you have mold, stagnant water, or Grandma down there.

Reply to
.p.jm.

What kind smell?

Also make sure that you smoke stack is high enough that you get positive up draft it maybe OK when is running but on start up and shut down may make difference

Reply to
Grumpy

I'd suggest to look into the ducts with flashlight, and small miror. Or call a duct cleaning company.

Reply to
Stormin Mormon

Your buddy has been taking a crap in the floor vent after he bangs your wife.

Reply to
Mike Hunt

Good advise.

Reply to
The King

Mehikan, si?

Reply to
Stormin Mormon

Juniper Creek?

Reply to
Real Pisser

HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.