My furnace reeks of mildew.

[Changenow]

It is natural gas, when I turned it on and the stench was unbelievable. When I checked it there was mold or mildew on the outside of the pipes.

I've turned it off. What do I do now?

Thanks.

[notadmblnd]

1. replace the filter

they are really cheap.. take the old one out and take it to the store with you so you know what size to get.

You can also vaccum inside (be careful the pilot light doesn't go out) and wash the pipes down with bleach the inside should burn off.

I don't know how old your furnace is but you may need to get your chimney capped so rain doesn't get in there.

[Changenow]

3. It is a strange set-up the filters are at the air intake.

I change them regularly, I'm thinking the problem is in the unit. How can I clean the inside of the heater?

[sbj405]

2. You may also need to get your vents cleaned.

Had mine done last year. Some people think it's a scam, but it made a difference in my house.

[notadmblnd]

4. I take the covers off and vaccum mine yearly

if you have a flexable hose with a brush it will make the job easier.

[miss_kitty]

5. Spend a little

have it professionally done. Those spores are all through the system. Chances are, a professional furnace service won't damage the system and if they do, a properly licensed and insured outfit will be responsible for the damage. If you do it and f something up-well...:eyes:

On edit: Vacuuming with your own vacuum will transfer mildew spores into your vacuum. It will smell like mildew every time you turn it on. borrow a neighbors:evilgrin: Seriously-Professional cleaning.

[flamingyouth]

6. I wholeheartedly second this

Hire a professional to come in and clean it. Good luck. :hi:

[Changenow]

7. A furnace specialist or a duct cleaning specialist or both?

Thanks.

[flamingyouth]

8. I'd start with a furnace specialist

That's just my amateur opinion. :hi:

[miss_kitty]

9. Furnaces should be checked out every now and again

simple maintenance can save loads of money in fuel and repair bills, and furnaces that do not work properly can can injury or death. When I was growing up, one Christmas day we had a furnace fail. The next year, in our new home, on Christmas day, our furnace failed. No injuries, but preventable, inconvenient and expensive as hell.

A furnace specialist should be able to assess and tweak your furnace's operating capacity AND help you with the mildew problem.