House Smells Like Heating Oil? 12 Most-Common Reasons (Explained)

Heating oil is a fuel oil used as a heat source in furnaces or boilers. It is a liquid petroleum similar to diesel fuel, typically dyed red to distinguish itself from other oils.

Heating oil is commonly used when natural gas is unavailable or as a backup fuel source during high demand for natural gas.

You can find it in houses or apartments that still use it as an option!

Here are 12 reasons why your house may smell like heating oil:

1. Improper Ventilation

If you notice a strong smell of heating oil in your house or apartment, it may be due to improper ventilation.

This means that the heating oil fumes are not properly directed outside and instead circulate back into your living space.

To fix this problem, you should first check that your heating system is properly installed and that all vents and flues are free from obstructions. If the problem persists, you may need to hire a professional to inspect and repair your ventilation system.

If you are renting and the problem is beyond your control, you should inform your landlord immediately so they can fix the issue.

2. Cracked Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger is a component of your heating system that transfers heat from your furnace’s combustion chamber to the air circulating through your home.

It is a crucial part of your furnace, as it helps ensure your home stays warm and comfortable during the colder months.

If your heat exchanger becomes cracked or damaged, it can cause a heating oil smell to permeate through your home. This is because the heat exchanger can no longer properly contain the combustion gases produced by burning the heating oil.

As a result, these gases can leak out and enter your home, creating a strong odor.

If you suspect your heat exchanger may be cracked or damaged, it is important to have it inspected and repaired by a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible.

Continuing to use your furnace with a damaged heat exchanger can be dangerous, as it can lead to the release of potentially harmful gases into your home.

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3. Nearby Oil Spills

An industrial oil spill near your home or apartment can release a strong odor of heating oil that may be carried by the wind and enter your home through open windows, doors, or ventilation systems.

The smell can be particularly strong if the oil spill occurs near your residence.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent this type of situation, as it is typically the responsibility of the industrial company or local authorities to address and contain the spill.

However, if you suspect that an industrial oil spill is the cause of the heating oil smell in your home, contact your local environmental protection agency or fire department.

They may be able to assist!

4. Fumes from the Neighbor

If you suspect that the fumes and heating oil smell are coming from your neighbor’s house or apartment, it is best to approach them and ask if they have noticed the smell as well.

They may have a leak or malfunctioning system that is causing the odor to spread. If they are not cooperative, you may need to contact your local authorities or building management to address the issue.

In the meantime, you can try to minimize the fumes entering your home by sealing any gaps or cracks in your windows with weatherstripping or caulking. For example, apartment neighbors tend to share some ventilation, so the smell could be coming through there.

You can also consider using an air purifier or opening windows on the opposite side of the building to increase airflow and dilute the odor.

If the smell persists or becomes too overwhelming, it may be best to relocate until the issue is resolved temporarily.

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5. Oil Delivery or Removal Error

During an oil delivery, if the delivery person overfills the tank or spills oil while filling it, the excess oil can leak out of the tank and onto the floor or ground, causing a strong odor.

Similarly, during removal, if the removal company does not properly empty the tank or leaves residue behind, it can also cause a heating oil smell.

Suppose you suspect that a heating oil delivery or removal error is the cause of the smell. In that case, you should immediately contact the delivery or removal company to report the issue and have them investigate and address it.

They should have procedures in place to handle these types of situations and may need to send a technician to your home or apartment to inspect the tank and surrounding area for any signs of a leak or spill.

6. Leaking Oil Tank or Supply Line

Probably the most common – and problematic – reason that your house smells like heating oil is from a spill or leak.

If you suspect at all that your heating oil is leaking, contact a licensed professional specializing in heating oil tank and piping repair.

If the leak is coming from a small crack or hole in the tank, the technician may be able to patch the tank using a welding or sealing technique. If the tank is severely damaged or corroded, it may need to be replaced entirely.

Leaks from tanks and piping are a health hazard and an environmental concern. Various federal and state regulations ensure that heating oil is transported, stored, and burned properly.

Federal regulators consider heating oil a hazardous material (HazMat), highlighting the importance of handling it carefully and taking prompt action in case of a leak.

7. Overfilled Oil Tank

If you detect a strong odor of heating oil in your basement, it could result from an overfill of the heating oil tank. Overfills are common due to equipment or operator errors during heating oil delivery.

To prevent this, consider using an automatic delivery system with computer algorithms to estimate when your tank needs refilling. This can help ensure that your tank is never overfilled.

Also, an overfill prevention valve can be installed on the tank’s fill line to prevent overfilling. This valve will automatically shut off the flow of fuel when the tank is full.

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8. Dirty Furnace Filter

A dirty furnace filter can become clogged with dust, debris, and other particles, causing it to restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of the heating system.

This can cause the furnace to overheat and produce a burning smell, which can be mistaken for the smell of heating oil. A dirty furnace filter can also cause oil to back up and pool inside the furnace, creating that same oil smell.

Regularly replacing furnace filters is important for maintaining your heating system’s efficiency and safety. It also will prevent any smells or issues in the future!

9. Malfunctioning Furnace

Just like a dirty furnace filter, a malfunctioning furnace can cause terrible smells in your home – including the smell of heating oil.

For example, if there is an issue with the furnace’s ignition system, the fuel may not burn completely, leading to the smell of heating oil in the home. Another example is if there is a crack or hole in the furnace’s heat exchanger, which can cause fumes to escape into the living area.

Call a technician immediately if you notice that your furnace is making strange noises. They should hopefully discover and fix the issue before anything goes wrong.

If the furnace has been on the fritz for a while and is creating a smell, a technician may need to replace or repair your furnace more extensively.

10. Clogged Chimney

A clogged chimney can create heating oil smells when a homeowner neglects to clean the chimney or hire a professional to do so.

Over time, soot and debris can accumulate in the chimney, blocking the airflow and causing the furnace to malfunction. If left unchecked, this can lead to a buildup of harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, and the release of unpleasant odors.

Poor ventilation of any burning material can cause a heating oil smell – or many other unpleasant smells.

If you think something smells burning, burnt, or singed, get your chimney or furnace inspected immediately!

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11. Damaged Oil Burner

An oil burner is a component connected to an oil furnace, water heater, or boiler. Its main function is to ignite the heating oil or biodiesel fuel used to warm air or water through a heat exchanger.

If your oil burner is damaged, it may not burn the heating oil properly, causing it to produce a strong odor that can permeate the living space.

Additionally, a damaged oil burner may cause the heating system to shut down or malfunction, resulting in a backup of oil and an overflow that can cause a strong smell of heating oil.

If your oil burner is broken or damaged, you should contact a licensed and experienced heating technician to inspect and repair the issue. Trying to fix it yourself can be dangerous and may cause further damage.

Make sure to regularly maintain and clean your oil burner to prevent issues from arising in the first place! Just be safe doing so.

12. Leaking Fuel Line

When a fuel line leaks, it can release the oil into the surrounding area, resulting in the strong odor of heating oil. This can be a serious issue, as not only does it cause unpleasant odors, but it can also be a fire hazard and a health risk.

If you have a leaking fuel line causing heating oil smells in your house, the first step is to immediately contact a licensed heating professional to inspect and repair the leak.

Do not attempt to fix the leak; it can be dangerous and cause further damage.

If you are renting an apartment and the fuel line is causing heating oil smells, notify your landlord or property management company immediately.

It is their responsibility to address the issue and ensure the safety of the residents. Document your communication and follow up with them until the issue is resolved.

Sources:

Heating Oil – Wikipedia

Heating Oil Overfill – Gwater.com

Heat Exchanger – Wikipedia