Nothing is worse than having to open your windows to let the smell out when the days start to get chilly and you finally decide it’s time to put on your furnace to keep warm in your cozy home. Don’t be alarmed if your furnace emits a stench when you initially switch it on; it may not necessarily be a bad thing. Why does my heat smell like it’s burning when I turn it on? is the question we’re going to address. “, then go over a few possible reasons why the odor might be there.
Common Reasons For Your Heat To Smell Burning
As was already indicated, there isn’t always a need to be concerned when you turn on the heat and smell something off. “Why is there a burning smell?” you may be asking yourself. Spend some time inspecting your furnace to see if there is anything that should concern you right now.
Let’s go over some of the most frequent causes of burning smells coming from your furnace when you turn on the heat for the season.
1. Dust Burn-Off
When a furnace has been idle and unused for a while, dust buildup is a frequent occurrence. Your furnace gathers layers of dust and detritus during the off-season, just like unused goods might do in your house. When you first turn on your furnace, the built-up dust slowly burns away. The dust burn-off may fill your entire home with a distinct burning odor as it travels through your ductwork. If the smell persists after a few minutes, you should call a local HVAC expert to check your furnace for any problems.
2. Dirty/Clogged Air Filter
Before reactivating your furnace for the season, make sure the filter is clear and in good condition. A common cause of problems with the HVAC systems, including an unpleasant odor, is dirty, unaltered filters. Your furnace’s air filter can be changed to prevent it from emitting a burning odor. The blower motor works harder when the air filter is soiled and clogged, which can lead to overheating and produce a burning odor. Additionally, a blocked filter allows dust to accumulate on the furnace, which burns off and emits a burning stench when the furnace is heated.
3. Electrical Problems
You should call an HVAC expert right away if you smell burning electricity coming from your furnace. Due to the chemicals and plastic used to cover electrical components heating up and beginning to melt or burn, an electrical fire typically has a fishy odor. Furnaces are typically designed to shut off when they begin to overheat, but if the safety feature is malfunctioning, you might smell burning when you turn on the heat. This is a problem since it puts your family and you at risk of an electrical fire.
4. Burning Plastic
Make sure there is nothing within, touching, or near your furnace before you turn it on for the season. If you don’t want to ask yourself, “Why does my heat smell like burning when I turn it on? prior to turning on your furnace for the season, you must exercise caution. If you detect the scent of burning plastic in or around your HVAC system, a foreign object may be there. To prevent taking in dangerous fumes and a possible fire, turn off your furnace as soon as you notice the smell and get in touch with a nearby furnace repair professional right once.
Before you start using your heat for the season, getting an annual furnace tune-up will help you find and stop any potential problems with your system. An annual furnace tune-up should be scheduled for the fall. For heating installation, maintenance, and repair services in your area, get in touch with the closest trustworthy HVAC professional.
If you switch on your furnace and have to inquire, “Why does my heat smell like burning while it’s on? “, you can get in touch with an HVAC professional who will examine your furnace and take the required steps to fix the problem immediately.
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