Homeowners warned to stay alert for three deadly smells — they need urgent inspection

As winter settles in, many homeowners rely on their to keep their homes warm and comfortable.

However, with increased usage comes the increased possibility of detecting problems — and unusual smells could signal a serious issue with your system.

While some of these odours may seem harmless, they could indicate dangerous issues, from leaks to overheating.

Recognising these smells early could prevent further damage or, more importantly, protect your family’s safety.

Joshua Houston, a boiler expert at , highlighted: “It’s crucial that the public is aware of these three smells related to boilers. Otherwise, they could be in serious danger without their knowledge.”

He explained why these smells demand immediate attention and action, including calling a professional and evacuating the home.

Rotten eggs

If you detect a distinct rotten egg smell, it’s likely a sign of a gas leak in your home. In such a situation, the first step is to immediately turn off your gas supply at the energy control valve or the equivalent for your heating system.

Next, evacuate everyone from your home, including pets, since the risk of a spark triggering a deadly explosion is very real.

Once everyone is safely out, contact a Gas Safe registered professional who can identify the source of the leak and resolve the issue.

Burning

A burning smell can be one of the most alarming scents to encounter in your home, as it can stem from various sources, making it harder to pinpoint.

Boilers often produce this smell when dust or debris burns upon contact with the metal coil inside the system.

While this usually isn’t a major concern, the smell should dissipate after about 30 minutes.

If it persists beyond that time, it could indicate that your boiler is overheating, particularly if your hot water supply becomes inconsistent. In such cases, it’s important to shut off your gas supply and consult a professional to assess the situation.

Metallic

A metallic smell is another serious warning sign and can indicate the presence of a gas leak, similar to the rotten egg odour. If this occurs, the same precautions should be taken to ensure your safety.

Alternatively, the smell might stem from an oil leak within your boiler, which you should never attempt to fix by yourself.

This odour could also signal a carbon monoxide leak, as this gas is colourless and odourless but dangerous to your health. Therefore, it’s essential to call in a professional immediately to conduct a thorough inspection.