Why a Furnace Emits a Burning Smell
Most homeowners give their furnaces little thought during the summer months.
When a furnace is turned on for the first time after summer, it may give off a burning smell, which can be quite alarming. Luckily, a burning smell from a furnace is not uncommon, but it should also not be ignored. Consider the following reasons why a furnace may produce a burning smell and how to resolve the issue.
Possible causes
Most homeowners give their furnaces little thought during the summer months. During this time, the furnace has accumulated dust on its internal components, including inside the heat exchanger and around the burners. When the weather finally cools enough to use the furnace again, the dust accumulated on the system burns off. When it burns, it produces a smell that emanates throughout the home. The good news is that this burning smell is typically not a safety hazard and should go away after a couple of hours.
Avoiding harmless burning smells
The best way to minimize the burning smell is to remove the dust accumulation by either dusting or vacuuming the unit before turning the furnace on for the first time. It's also worth considering turning on the furnace during a mild day when the windows can be opened to let the burning smell air out.
Persistent burning smell
A burning smell at the start of the season is typical. However, it is not normal for a furnace to produce a burning smell beyond those first few times of use, and it could mean that the system has a problem that requires professional attention.
Possible causes
If the burning smell persists, the air filter could be clogged. When the furnace filter is clogged, the blower motor has to work extra hard, which can lead to overheating and produce a burning smell from the furnace. A clogged filter also causes extra dirt on the furnace, which burns off and produces a smell. Check the filters to ensure they're free of dust and debris.
If the filters are not the issue, the furnace may be experiencing an electrical issue, which can be a fire hazard. Be sure to call a professional to inspect the system and address any problems before they threaten the home's safety. While there, asking for a furnace tune-up and a full safety inspection of the system to expel the burning smell completely is worthwhile.
If the burning smell persists, call a technician as soon as possible, as a persistent burning smell shouldn't be ignored. Whether it's to solve a specific issue or to stay on top of house maintenance, regularly servicing the air conditioner, heater, and ductwork can extend the life of an HVAC system by years and improve the interior air quality. Schedule a maintenance appointment before cool weather sets in to ensure all systems are in working order.
Just in Case Mechanical offers residential and commercial plumbing, sewer, water softener, electrical, lighting, and HVAC services Lancaster County. Call us today at (717)696-1511.
