Direct Vent Furnace Exhaust Smell

Just like the burning dust odor running your furnace for a few heating cycles will dry up any dampness and eliminate musty odors.

Direct vent furnace exhaust smell.

The oil burner has a nozzle that sprays oil and then ignites it creating heat to warm the air. Since the exhaust pipe is running on a sidewall the fan works together with the furnace. Also known as the induced draft fan this one has a fan that is located on the end of the pipe. These cracks can eventually grow larger and ruin the furnace unless they are repaired early.

Do not inhale the exhaust fumes outdoors carbon monoxide levels will be extremely high there. The condensing furnace produces condensed exhaust gases that contain water and carbon dioxide which together form carbonic acid that results in a corrosive condensate. One of the most common vent contamination issues is the smell of pet hair or urine. Like the area around your outdoor intake system what s near your indoor vent registers can affect your furnace smells.

The oil ignition pressurizes the compartment and if there is a crack in the exchanger it can leak oil fumes out creating a smell. I would advise not using that furnace until its checked. When compared to the natural vent this one is more flexible although it is also costlier. More than likely plugged secondary heat exchanger.

In the warm weather when we have windows open exhaust will drift in the windows near the vent when the furnace runs very annoying. The original oil fired boiler was replaced in 2015 with a utica boiler. Taking care of the mess should resolve the smell as well. Check each vent register for a pet mess that needs cleaning.

The furnace uses an exhaust vent motor that pushes the exhaust gas through the vent pipe creating a positive static pressure in the vent. It is a direct vent and the vent is located about 2 feet of the ground between 2 windows. Musty odors can manifest themselves from dark and damp environments especially after long periods of inactivity. Had a case a few weeks ago same as you described.