Napoleon Discusses 7 Reasons The Furnace Smells Like It's Burning

Since the weather is getting colder, most people will be turning on their furnaces for the first time in months. While it’s normal to keep the furnace turned up and running all day, users might run into some issues after not using it for a while. One of those problems could be having a burning smell when the heat is on.

If the furnace smells like it’s burning, there is no need to panic; however, finding the source of the burning smell is important. Once users find out what causes it, they can easily correct the issue and enjoy a comfortably warm indoor temperature.

7 Common Causes Of Burning Smell From the Furnace

Before proceeding with enumerating the causes of a burning smell from the furnace, it is important to know that users should turn off the furnace once they notice any smell. Here are some common causes why a furnace smells like it’s burning:

• Burning Plastic

Burning plastic is a smell that many are familiar with. When users smell burning plastic, it could mean that some foreign object somehow made its way into the heating system. It could be anything, from a toy to a bottle or even from a piece of food packaging.

Burning plastic emits fumes into the home that can pose harm to the family’s health. At any given time, users notice the smell of burning plastic, turn off their heating and check their floor vents. If the plastic is visible users can easily remove it. If not, contact HVAC professionals soon.

• Dust

Furnaces can accumulate large amounts of dust when unused for a long period of time

Dust can be an obvious reason behind that burning smell when the heat is on. Furnaces can accumulate large amounts of dust when unused for a long period of time, settling on several parts of the furnace including its heat exchanger or the burners.

When the cold season sets in, there’s a chance that users will immediately smell burning dust. The vents connected to a home’s heating will bring out this burning smell from the furnace and circulate it around the home. There’s no need to worry as the smell will usually dissipate after a couple of minutes.

• Electrical Burning

Electrical burning will smell fishy before they become serious. Then an acrid or strong and bitter smell that burns in the throat and smells strongly of plastic occurs. Usually, the furnace decreases its power on the slightest signs of overheating.

If it doesn’t happen, it means that its safety feature could have issues and the risk of an electrical fire greatly increases. When this happens, it could be dangerous for a family, which is why users need to contact HVAC professionals once they smell an electrical burning smell from the furnace to the vents.

• Clogged Air Filter

A clogged filter may cause the accumulation of dirt, which can also burn and produce an odor

Proper furnace maintenance can prevent any burning smell from a furnace. When the air filter is clogged, the blower motor has to be on overdrive which causes it to overheat. A burning smell starts to develop when the motor pushes the air through the clogged filter.

Aside from this, a clogged filter may cause the accumulation of dirt, which can also burn and produce an odor. To fix this, all users have to do is replace the air filter.

• Smell Of Burning Oil

For oil furnaces, an oxidized smell of burning oil can spread through the house. When this is the case, users would need to change the oil filter to ensure that their furnace does not overheat.

If users have changed it and the smell persists, contact heating professionals to diagnose and repair the issue. Remember to turn off the furnace until all the repairs have been applied, as it could catch fire if it continues to run.

• Bacteria Build-Up

Mold can also be the reason for the funky smell, which will require the air ducts to be cleaned

If users notice the smell of dirty socks or a musty smell, it can be caused by a bacteria build-up. This burning smell from the furnace is similar to burning dust, and it can also be due to sudden usage after a long period of time.

To get rid of this unpleasant odor, users would need to replace the furnace filter. Mold can also be the reason for this funky smell, which will require the air ducts to be cleaned.

• Gas Leak

Similar to the smell of sharp, rotten eggs, the burning smell of gas leaks can mean that there is a serious problem.

Once users notice this smell, turn off the furnace and call a professional immediately. Open the windows and doors to let clean air enter the house to prevent any serious damage to the health.

Schedule A Maintenance Check-Up

It is time to be vigilant and schedule a proper furnace check-up from trusted professionals. Napoleon houses knowledgeable heating and cooling experts that can help users fix and remove the burning smell from the furnace.

Whether users want gas furnaces to be maintained or replaced, Napoleon can guide them in making the best decision for their home. If users are interested in upgrading their living space and bringing odorless warmth during this cold season, check out Napoleon’s collection of gas furnaces and quality parts for the home.