Why Does Your Furnace Smell Like It’s Burning?

If your furnace briefly smells like burning the first time you turn it on in the fall, you’re experiencing a normal event. However, if this smell doesn’t go away within the first hour or two, it’s important to contact a furnace maintenance company. Failure to do so could result in an electrical fire, so be sure to reach out immediately.

Understanding the Phenomenon

Aside from shaking off the dust after being turned off for several months, a furnace that smells like burning can mean a few different things. For one, it could indicate that you must clean your air filter. It could also mean that something foreign has gotten into the HVAC system. For example, if it smells more like burning plastic, a toy or other small piece of plastic may have gotten into your HVAC unit. You’ll want a furnace repair professional to retrieve this item before it emits even more toxic fumes into the air.

Dust and debris are the top causes of a burning smell. Again, the smell will go away relatively quickly if it’s nothing more than dust. Meanwhile, debris needs to be cleaned immediately.

Immediate Steps for Homeowners

You can take action to stop your HVAC unit from emitting a burning smell. Whenever this smell occurs, and it’s not the first time you’ve turned your system on in a while, you’ll want to turn your HVAC off immediately. Be sure to check your air filter. If it’s dirty, clean it, put it back in place, and turn your furnace on again. Does it still smell? If so, turn it off and contact a professional for furnace maintenance.

The following smells are all indicative of an issue:

• Burning smell (still smells like burning after a couple of hours)
• Plastic burning smell
• Gunpowder smell
• Burning oil smell

Long-Term Solutions

Dealing with a smelly furnace doesn’t have to happen to you. Instead, ensure your HVAC system receives regular furnace maintenance. Even if you don’t think there is anything wrong with your system, scheduling preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to catch a tiny issue before it balloons into a major problem.

Don’t forget about scheduling an annual HVAC inspection, either. There are many moving parts that make up your furnace, and it’s critically important you have them all checked out once a year. This is the best way to avoid a smelly problem later on, and it can drastically reduce your risk of having an electrical fire.

Professional Furnace Repair from Thornton Heating

Remember, if your furnace smells like burning for more than an hour or two, it is probably indicating the need for a repair. Always start by cleaning your air filter. Then, if it still smells, contact a professional furnace maintenance company. Keep in mind the importance of regular preventative maintenance and professional consultations.

Has your furnace been smelling? Contact the experienced team at Thornton Heating for professional advice and to schedule an appointment!