AboutJ Cook Expertise With 25+ years experience, I am familiar with residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC equipment including but not limited to boilers, chillers, reciprocating and screw compressors. I am trained in all manners of control wiring.
Experience I currently have three HVAC licenses and Refrigeration license by the State of North Carolina. I have been in this field for over twenty years. I have been a service technician for a contractor and also worked at a state college in the repair and maintenance of steam lines and equipment. I am currently the Building Maintenance Superintendent for a municipality.
Question Three days ago my gas heating system was repaired. It is a fan assisted combustion gas furnace. The unit would come on but no heat was being distributed by the fan. The repairman replaced two electrical parts and the burner started. Within ten minutes, however, there was thick black smoke pouring out of all of the vents. The repairman returned and told me that the pilot light was too high. He made an adjustment and said that the burner was fine. A few hours later, the unit began to short cycle, and a foul burning smell comes from the vents each time the burner comes on. What do you think the problem might be? The furnace had been working fine prior to this incident and there has never been a problem with any odors coming from the vents. Thank you for your opinion!
Answer I would fear the heat exchanger overheated and cracked. I would have the exchanger examined by a reliable contractor and be sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors. Also read the instructions on the detectors because many are chemically activated and are only good for one year. Thanks J
