GeneralTroubleshooting2026-02-26
Boiler Smells When Running
A faint smell at first start is normal; persistent or gas smells are not.
Boiler smells range from harmless dust burn-off to urgent gas odours.
Normal vs concerning
A brief dusty smell at season start is normal; persistent burning, electrical, or a rotten-egg gas smell are not.
What to do
For a gas (rotten-egg) smell, evacuate and call FortisBC 1-800-663-9911; for burning or electrical smells, shut the boiler off and call us.
Key takeaways
- Brief dusty smell can be normal
- Rotten-egg = gas, evacuate and call FortisBC
- Burning/electrical = shut off and call
- Don't ignore persistent smells
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