Have you noticed a burning smell from your furnace recently? For a greener, cleaner comfort, call Green Energy Mechanical Inc. at (781) 236-3421 today!
When chilly weather sets in, you may notice a burning smell coming from your furnace during its first cycle of the season. While this might seem problematic, it often happens and usually poses no threats.
However, if you continue smelling a smoky or burnt odor after a few cycles, it could indicate a potentially dangerous issue that requires help from Canton’s furnace repair experts. If you keep noticing that your furnace emits burning smells or other foul odors, the causes behind them could mean health and home hazards for your family.
This article discusses the most common causes of these burning smells and their solutions.
#1 Old Air Filter
An old air filter could cause burning smells to come from your furnace. As your HVAC system sucks in air for circulation, that air first passes through the air filter. The filter then reduces the dust, debris, and microbes circulating in your home.
You might have forgotten to change your air filter recently, or maybe you need to change it more often. Either way, this issue has a simple solution that doesn’t require an expert’s help.
#2 Singed Wires
Burning plastic has a very recognizable scent. If you’ve ever noticed the scent of burning plastic when your heater cycles, you could have an electrical issue on your hands.
Most electrical wires have a plastic coating. When that coating breaks, it exposes the wires.
The exposed wires might spark, which burns the plastic coating. Singed wires indicate a serious problem requiring professional services, as they can cause a house fire or damage your home’s electrical system.
#3 Malfunctioning Blower Motor
The blower motor serves an important function in your HVAC system. It’s responsible for making the fan blades turn, which pushes air out into your home. Unfortunately, air ducts, filters, and other components attract dirt and debris over time.
The debris forces your blower motor and heat exchanger to work harder than they should, causing your furnace system to shut down or work under stress. This causes a burning smell from the furnace as a result.
You can prevent this from happening by periodically cleaning and checking for obstructions inside the air ducts. Perform an annual check before you start using your furnace. This simple maintenance task can help keep your components working for years.
#4 Dirty Heater
You won’t use your furnace much during warm seasons, if at all. As a result, dust collects on the ducts and other components like the heat exchanger. When you finally turn your furnace back on, it can emit a smoky smell.
Unless the smell occurs consistently after you turn your furnace back on, you usually have nothing to worry about. The dust will burn off on its own with no issue. Otherwise, implement periodic cleaning to prevent the smell altogether.
#5 Obstructions in Your Air Ducts
Sometimes, you might catch whiffs of smells that resemble burning rubber or paper. These scents indicate an object stuck in your air ducts or other areas of your system. Small items, such as toys, paper, cardboard, and office supplies, frequently find their way into air ducts.
You can usually remove these items on your own. First, locate the room where the smell occurs the strongest. Then, check the vents for any obstructions and remove them.
If you can’t remove or find the item, call a professional to remove it safely.
#6 Other Issues That Cause a Smell From Furnace
You might detect other smells that come from your furnace as well. Even odors that don’t smell like burning mean your furnace needs repair. Below, you’ll find other smells and their causes:
- A musty smell indicates mold growth. Mold presents a danger to your health with respiratory issues and allergies.
- A sulfuric smell like rotten eggs usually indicates gas leaks.
- Sewage smells mean that a wastewater line has broken near your ventilation system.
Each of these problems requires a professional approach to ensure that your family and home remain safe.
Find the Source with Green Energy Mechanical Inc.
Find the source of your HVAC woes with furnace maintenance and repair services from our experts at Green Energy Mechanical Inc in Canton, MA. Our professional technicians come prepared to handle all the issues we mentioned here. Plus, we’ll help you navigate a greener, cleaner lifestyle that suits your comfort needs and the environment.
Call us today at (781) 236-3421 to stop that burning smell from your furnace.
Author Bio:
Jonathan Neves
Worked in the HVAC industry since he was 17. He started as an HVAC service technician for commercial buildings and eventually came into the residential market because of his love of working with people. He believes that what really sets Green Energy Mechanical apart is how long they stand behind their work and how compassionate his employees are for their clients.
