Why Does My Furnace Smell?

If you notice a weird smell coming from your furnace, don’t panic! This problem doesn’t always lead to a major concern. You can often explain it by some common occurrences. That said, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Whenever you notice an odd scent from your furnace, it’s essential to figure out the potential cause.

Make sure to shut down your furnace before you take a look. Here are a few reasons why there could be a burning smell in your house.

Dust Burn-Off

A furnace overheating smell can come from dust burn-off. If you haven’t turned on your furnace for a while, it’s likely that dust has accumulated on the inside. This odor should disappear after your furnace runs for a few minutes.

If the scent doesn’t go away, it’s time to try another solution. Take a brush to the parts that you can reach. This approach will clear away any dust.

Clogged Filter

Sometimes, an old filter can cause a burning smell from your furnace blower. When you don’t replace your furnace’s filter, it can become clogged over time. This buildup forces your blower to work extra hard so that it can push air out. As a result, it can overheat. It’s also possible for the buildup to emit a burning odor throughout this process.

That’s when it’s time to replace your furnace’s filter. Make sure to compare the filter’s efficiency capabilities beforehand. If you still notice a specific scent, it’s time to contact a professional for service.

Gas Leak

If you smell a sulfuric egg scent, it’s best to shut off your furnace immediately. This odor often indicates a gas leak, which could happen due to a failed ignitor. There may also be broken parts within your furnace.

In any case, it’s crucial to switch off your furnace and call in an HVAC expert. It’s always important to call when you suspect an issue — and you should never ignore a gas leak.

Foreign Objects

Do you notice a burning plastic scent? A foreign object may have entered your furnace. This could be any small plastic item. Either way, it’s imperative to turn off your furnace when you smell this scent. A foreign object can cause problems for your furnace’s functionality. It’s also smart to avoid plastic fume inhalation, as many plastic objects contain harsh chemicals.

Overheated Circuits

You may notice a metallic scent. This odor often means there’s an electrical problem, like an overheated circuit board. Your furnace should shut down by itself when it overheats. If it doesn’t, there’s an issue with its safety features. It’s smart to contact an expert when you think there’s a central mechanical issue. It’s unsafe to have a furnace that doesn’t turn off when it overheats.

Don’t turn on your furnace again until a specialist can diagnose the issue for you.

Get Rid of Burning Furnace Smells With Oasis Heating, A/C and Refrigeration

Our specialists can identify and repair your furnace problems. If you live in Northern Virginia, contact us at Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration for quality, reliable services. We can narrow down the issue so that you and your family can enjoy a safe and healthy home environment.

Thursday, September 30th, 2021 at 1:53 pm | Categories: Air Conditioning |