Have you noticed your gas furnace smells like burning? This is not uncommon, but it can be alarming when it happens. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and address a furnace burning smell with preemptive solutions and professional assistance.
In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of a burning smell from your furnace, the types of odors you might encounter, and the steps you should take to resolve them. Keep reading to learn what to do if your heater smells like burning.
Why Your Furnace Smells Like Burning
Coming home to a burnt smell from a furnace can be disconcerting. The smell could mean several things, and it’s best to identify the cause as soon as possible. Here are some potential reasons for a burning smell from your furnace.
Clogged Furnace Air Filter
A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat, which can result in a burning smell. Replacing the filter should usually resolve the issue and restore your furnace's functionality. Regularly changing the filter also helps keep your system efficient and minimizes the chances of future odors.
Burning Oil or Gas
If your oil or gas furnace smells like burning oil or fuel, this could indicate a leak, a malfunctioning burner, or improper combustion. These are critical issues that require immediate attention to prevent further risks. If you’re experiencing a persistent burning smell, it’s wise to call a HVAC professional to ensure your furnace is safe and functioning correctly.
Overheating Components
A burnt smell from the internal components, such as the blower motor, often signals overheating. This can happen due to mechanical issues or a clogged furnace filter. If the smell persists, it’s essential to turn off the furnace and call a technician for an assessment.
New Furnace Smells Like Burning
It’s not uncommon for a new furnace to smell like burning the first few times it’s used. Dust may have accumulated on components like the heat exchanger or burners during storage and burns off when the system starts. This odor is typically temporary and should dissipate within a few hours. However, if the smell becomes stronger or persists, it could indicate an issue like overheating parts or an electrical problem that requires professional attention.
Types of Furnace Burning Smells and What to Do
Before the winter season sets in, it’s a good idea to give your furnace a test run to ensure it’s ready for the colder months. Here are some types of burning smells from furnaces, along with suggested actions.
Electrical or Rubber Burning Smell
A burning rubber or electrical smell can indicate issues with the furnace’s wiring. Over time, wiring insulation may wear down, resulting in exposed or damaged areas that can overheat. Additionally, an overheating blower motor can produce a strong burning odor, often due to blocked airflow or lack of maintenance.
Modern furnaces are typically equipped with safety mechanisms that shut down the system when it overheats. However, if your furnace continues to run while emitting this smell, it’s crucial to turn it off immediately and call a technician. For Saving Home Services offers furnace repair Markham and Toronto homeowners rely on for prompt, expert diagnostics and repairs.
Rotten Egg or Natural Gas Smell
A strong rotten egg smell is a serious warning of a natural gas leak. Since natural gas itself is odorless, utility companies add sulfur compounds to make leaks detectable. Prolonged exposure to gas leaks can cause dizziness, nausea, or even suffocation.
If you detect this odor, turn off your furnace immediately, vacate your home, and contact both your gas company and an HVAC professional. Avoid using any electrical devices or open flames until the issue is resolved.
Burning Plastic Smell
If your furnace smells like burning plastic, a foreign object, such as a plastic item or part of the furnace, may be stuck inside and melting. This can produce harmful fumes that spread throughout your home.
Inspect the furnace for visible obstructions and remove them if possible. If the smell persists, it may be due to an overheating component or an electrical issue. Turn off the furnace and contact a technician from For Saving Home Services to inspect the unit thoroughly.
Musty or Moldy Smell
A musty odor from your furnace may indicate moisture issues, possibly caused by nearby standing water or excess humidity. Failing to regularly change the air filter can also contribute to dampness in the system, leading to mold growth and an unpleasant furnace smell.
While minor musty odors may dissipate, persistent smells often indicate mold in the furnace or ductwork. For a complete inspection and cleaning, call For Saving Home Services for furnace tune-up services Markham and Toronto homeowners trust to ensure proper moisture control and system efficiency.
Burning Dust or Hair Smell
If your furnace smells like burning dust, don’t worry—this is common, especially after months of inactivity. Dust accumulated on the heat exchanger or other components can cause a temporary odor as it burns off.
A burning hair smell, however, could be due to an accumulation of hair, pet fur, and dander inside the unit. Clean the exterior of the furnace, vacuum vents, and replace the air filter to prevent future odors. For a more thorough cleaning, consider booking a professional service.
Prevent a Furnace Burning Smell With These Tips
You can prevent burning odors and improve the efficiency of your furnace with regular maintenance and simple care. Here’s how:
Regularly Replace the Air Filter
A common cause of a burning smell from your furnace is a clogged air filter. When dust and debris block airflow, the furnace can overheat, resulting in a burning smell. Replace the filter every 90 days, or more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty area, to keep your system running smoothly.
Check for Gas Leaks
While a rotten egg smell indicates a natural gas leak, other dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, are odorless and invisible. Carbon monoxide leaks are hazardous and require a detector for safety. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to alert you in case of a leak, allowing you to take action before experiencing symptoms.
Clean the Exterior Surface Before Use
If your furnace has been idle for a while, clean it before turning it on. Dust, pet hair, and debris often accumulate on the unit’s exterior, and when the furnace heats up, these particles can burn off, causing an odor. Wipe down the furnace and clear the area around it. For a more thorough cleaning, consider hiring an HVAC professional.
Schedule Regular Furnace Tune-Ups
Annual maintenance before winter is essential to prevent issues that lead to a burning smell from your furnace. A technician from For Saving Home Services can provide a comprehensive inspection, checking for worn parts, cleaning the system, and making necessary repairs. Routine tune-ups keep your furnace in peak condition, extend its lifespan, and help ensure an odor-free home.
Furnace Smells Like Burning? Call For Saving Home Services
If your furnace emits a burning smell, it’s best to rely on a trusted professional for a quick and effective solution. For Saving Home Services offers comprehensive furnace repair Markham and Toronto residents can count on, along with expert furnace tune-up services. Whether you need installation, maintenance, or HVAC emergency repairs, our certified technicians are available to keep your furnace in top shape all season long. Get a quote today and ensure your home stays warm and comfortable without any strange odors this winter!
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