A strange and unpleasant burning smell, when you turn on the furnace for the first time of the year, is normal in most circumstances. It usually occurs because dirt and other debris have accumulated over it during the summer. The smell will go away once the dirt and grime are burned off, usually within an hour.
Sometimes burning smells suggest a more serious problem and should not be ignored. This usually happens with older systems that have not been maintained very well but can happen to even the newest HVAC systems. You might notice musty or dirty smells coming from the unit when it’s turned on for the first time of the season.
Don’t Ignore This Burning Smell
When is a burning smell from the furnace a problem you should not ignore?
If the burning smell does not go away within a couple of hours or before the unit cycles for the first time, it’s probably a good idea to reach out to a professional. Burning smells can be caused by melted and worn-out components within the furnace, an overhead motor blower that has gone bad, or melted wiring installation.
You should also call a professional if a burning smell protrudes from the unit after the initial start-up. This most often indicates a problem that professionals can address before it evolves into a dangerous and complex situation.
How to Stop a Burning Smell From the Furnace
Burning smells from the furnace caused by sitting for long periods of time can be reduced or eliminated with regular tune-ups. Along with making sure the furnace is ready to keep your home warm all season long, a tuneup includes a cleaning of the inside components which usually is enough to deplete these smells.
Burning smells coming from the furnace typically aren’t big concerns but there are instances when you should not ignore them. If you have more questions about burning smells, reach out to our experts. We’d be happy to answer your questions and help you learn more about your furnace and those odd smells.
Rice Heating and Air are a full-service HVAC Contractor headquartered in Alma, AR. The company specializes in air conditioning repair, AC installations, indoor air quality systems, heating repair, and furnace installations. Rice Heating and Air are focused on helping homeowners and businesses staying comfortable year-round. We are your comfort experts.
Call us today for any of your heating and cooling needs.
