There’s nothing quite as unsettling as a strange smell in your home. And when that smell is burning, it’s rarely a good sign. Perhaps you’ve just turned on the furnace for the season, and instead of the comforting warmth you expected, there’s a burning odor wafting through the house. Whether it’s a faint hint of burnt dust or something that smells like burning plastic, it’s natural to feel concerned.
So, why does your furnace smell like it’s burning, and what should you do about it? This blog will cover some common reasons for that burning smell and what steps you can take to address it.
Common Reasons Your Furnace Smells Like It’s Burning
The smell of something burning when you turn on the furnace isn’t always a bad sign, but it’s worth investigating. Below are some of the most common reasons you might notice that burning smell and what each one might mean for your home.
Burning Dust Smell From Your Furnace
If your furnace smells like burning dust at the beginning of the heating season, it’s often nothing to worry about. Dust naturally collects on furnace components when it sits unused, like over the summer. When you turn it on for the first time, the heat causes the dust to burn off, resulting in that distinct burning smell.
This dust burning smell usually goes away within a few hours. However, if the burning dust smell continues for more than a day, it could be a sign that dust has settled deeper into the furnace air filter or other components. To avoid this issue, consider cleaning or changing your furnace filter before the start of each heating season.
Burning Plastic Smell in the Furnace
A furnace smells like burning plastic if certain components or materials within or around the furnace are overheating. This could mean that plastic wiring insulation is melting due to an overheated blower motor or another electrical issue. Electrical burning smells should be taken seriously because they can indicate problems with the furnace’s internal electrical components, which might pose a fire hazard.
If your furnace smells like burning plastic or you notice any electrical burning smells, turn off the furnace immediately and call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your unit.
Rubber Smell Due to Foreign Objects
Sometimes, foreign objects like children’s toys or pieces of plastic fall into the furnace ducts or vents. As the furnace heats up, these items can start to melt or burn, creating a foul burning plastic smell. If you suspect something like this is the culprit, check around your vents and remove anything that could have fallen in. For safety, turn off the system before investigating.
Furnace Smell Like Burning Smoke
A furnace that smells like burning smoke could mean a clog in the chimney or flue, where exhaust gases aren’t venting properly. This blockage can be a serious health hazard, as it affects your indoor air quality. If you detect this kind of furnace burning smell, switch off the furnace and have a professional inspect it for any blockages.
Electrical Issues and Overheated Components
If you notice an electrical burning smell, the issue might be an overheated fan motor or a fried circuit board within your furnace. Sometimes, electrical connections become loose or degrade over time, causing components to overheat and emit fumes or produce an electrical odor. Electrical burning smells can indicate a major safety hazard, so turn off your system immediately and call PGA Inc. for a professional furnace repair in Wausau, WI.
Clogged Air Filter and Poor Air Movement
A clogged air filter can block airflow in your heating system, leading to poor air movement and potentially overheating components. This can produce a furnace burning smell as the blower motor or other parts struggle to push air through the system. Regularly replacing your furnace air filter is a simple way to prevent this problem.
Rotten Egg Smell and Gas Leaks
A rotten egg smell is a serious sign of a natural gas leak. Natural gas itself is odorless, but a chemical is added to give it a distinctive rotten egg odor as a safety precaution. If you smell rotten eggs, evacuate your home immediately and call your gas company to report a possible gas leak. Gas leaks can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup and are best handled by professionals.
Musty Smell When the Furnace Is On
A musty smell from your furnace can be a sign of mold or mildew inside the HVAC system. Mold growth is often due to moisture buildup in the ducts, typically caused by high humidity or water leaks. To improve indoor air quality and avoid musty smells, consider having your HVAC ducts cleaned. Mold in your ducts can affect air quality and may aggravate respiratory issues for some family members.
When Should You Be Concerned About Furnace Burning Smells?
If your furnace smells like it’s burning for an extended period or you notice any of the more unusual burning smells, like plastic, oil, or electrical, it’s time to call an expert. A furnace burning smell can indicate more serious issues with your HVAC system, such as overheating components or gas leaks, which can pose safety risks to your family. Here are some instances when it’s best to contact an HVAC professional:
- Persistent burning smell that doesn’t go away after the first use.
- Burning plastic or electrical smells that could indicate wiring issues.
- Rotten egg smell, which may mean a gas leak.
- Smoke or burning oil smells from an oil furnace.
- Musty odors, which could indicate mold growth in the ducts.
Each of these could be a sign of a larger problem with your heating system that requires a professional inspection. When your furnace smells like it’s burning and you think an issue needs attention, it’s best to take immediate action. Don’t hesitate to call PGA Inc. for heating services in Wausau, WI, or one of the nearby communities.
Schedule Your Furnace Services Today!
If your furnace smells like it’s burning or if you’re concerned about any unusual odors, don’t ignore it. These smells can be indicators of serious issues that could affect your family’s comfort and safety.
PGA Inc. offers furnace repair in Wausau, WI, and the surrounding areas. Our team of HVAC professionals is here to provide you with a fast, reliable service that will keep your furnace running smoothly. Schedule your appointment today!
