We’ve all had that moment before: you smell something burning in your home, and you’re unsure whether this is an accidental “dropped food under the gas burners on the stove” burning or a worse issue that needs immediate attention. If you’ve traced back the source of the burning to your furnace, don’t panic! There are many reasons why a furnace smells like it’s burning.
Does your furnace smell bad? If so, Romaniuk is here to help! We’re available 24/7/365 days a year including after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no additional cost to you! Book your repair appointment with a certified HVAC technician today!
Is It Bad if Your Furnace Smells?
Not necessarily. The furnace combustion process, by nature, involves burning - which can result in a smell, especially when the furnace is new or has just turned on. The combustion process goes as follows:
In the orchestration of a cosy home environment, your gas-powered furnace is the core of keeping everything as comfortable as possible. Its combustion process unfolds in a well-coordinated sequence of steps, culminating in the comforting warmth that envelops your space. Electric and oil furnaces have a similar process as well.
Picture the gas valves as the conductors of this symphony, seamlessly regulating the flow of natural gas and directing it towards the combustion chamber. Here, the ignitor assumes its position, generating a spark that transforms the gas into a controlled flame, much like the ignition of a campfire. At the heart of this operation stands the burner, providing the stage for flames to thrive. As the gas flame engulfs the burner, the temperature soars, turning the heated burner into a wellspring of warmth.
Enter the blower fan, stepping into action to guide air over the now-heated components. This warm air courses through the heat exchanger, emerging revitalized and coursing through the ductwork. The result is a symphony of comfort that spreads throughout your entire household.
Why Does My Furnace Smell Like It’s Burning?
Within your furnace's operation lies a combustion process, making a faint "something burning" scent rather typical. Nevertheless, if this odour persists throughout the season or carries an intense aroma of burning dust or plastic, it might signal something is wrong.
The following matters could be the cause of the burning smell of your furnace:
Accumulated Dust
After a period of dormancy, heating elements can accumulate dust and debris. Upon reactivation, this collected dust burns off, resulting in the observed scent. As the system warms up and self-cleans, this odour should fade.
Air Filter Blockage
A dirty or clogged air filter hampers airflow, causing the furnace to overheat. This overheating generates a burning smell as the system labours to circulate air effectively. If you need duct cleaning, contact Romaniuk today!
Vent Obstructions
Hindered airflow due to blocked vents or registers forces the furnace to work excessively, potentially leading to overheating and the resultant burning aroma.
Intruding Objects
Objects like papers, leaves, or even rodents can inadvertently enter the furnace, producing a burning scent when exposed to the heat source.
Oil Leakage
In oil furnaces, a burning smell might stem from an oil leak. This issue demands immediate attention due to the safety and environmental risks posed by leaking oil.
Electrical Challenges
Overheated electrical components within the furnace, such as wiring or motors, can give rise to a burning odour. Swift resolution is necessary to avert potential hazards.
New Furnace Adjustment
A new furnace might emit a slight burning odour during initial usage. This commonly arises as components like the heat exchanger adapt and cure through the initial heating cycles.
As you can see, some of these issues involve an easy remedy or are typical and to be expected given the context and circumstances. However, some issues require the intervention of a professional, as the diagnosis of the problem can threaten the safety of your household. If you’re still unsure, call a technician.
What to Do if Your Furnace Smells Like It’s Burning:
If you detect a burning odour emanating from your furnace, and you're confident that it's not the result of the furnace starting up for the season or the customary "furnace burning" scent that doesn't indicate a problem, follow these steps:
Turn off the Furnace
As a precaution, switch off your furnace. Locate the furnace's power switch or breaker and promptly deactivate the power supply. This step is crucial to prevent any potential complications while you begin a safe investigation into the origin of the burning scent.
Do a Visual Examination
Once the furnace is powered off, visually inspect the vicinity surrounding the furnace. Look for any visible indications of debris, foreign objects, or obstructed vents that could be responsible for the burning odour. If you are comfortable, explore the furnace's interior for obvious damage or signs of overheating.
Call a Professional
If you're unable to pinpoint a cause for the burning odour or if the scent persists despite your initial efforts, it's time to call a skilled HVAC technician. A professional can conduct a comprehensive examination of your furnace, identify the underlying issue, and execute any requisite repairs. It's advisable to avoid attempting DIY furnace repairs, as this could pose risks and potentially void warranties.
Why Does My House Smell Like Something’s Burning?
Addressing the question of whether a furnace smell is cause for concern, the answer lies in context. A furnace emitting a "burning" scent at the onset of the season is commonly experienced. The key is to be attentive to the specific details and circumstances. Should the burning aroma persist, intensify, or coincide with other anomalies (like smoke or unusual sounds), it's prudent that you connect with an HVAC technician. Their expertise can both diagnose the problem and provide the necessary remedy.
Romaniuk is available 24/7/365 days a year including after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no additional cost to you! Book your repair appointment with a certified HVAC technician today!