Burning Smell From Your Furnace? Here’s What It Means

Buckeye’s winter weather is usually pretty tame, but on those occasional chilly days, you definitely can’t go without your furnace. On one such day, you turn on your heating system only to be greeted by a nasty burning stench. “Why does my furnace smell like it’s burning?” you wonder. “Is it going to catch fire, and should I call for repairs?”

First of all, don’t panic! A burning smell doesn’t necessarily mean that anything is seriously wrong with your furnace, and the odds of it catching fire are extremely low.

Below, learn about the most common reasons for a burning smell from furnaces, then call us for HVAC services in Buckeye, AZ.

Why Does My Furnace Smell Like Burning in Buckeye, AZ?

Furnaces can smell like something burning for many reasons, some normal, some not. When you first turn your system on for the season, you might smell a slight burning odor. This smell results from dust burning off the system. It’s 100% normal and nothing to worry about. The odor should fade after a few minutes.

If your furnace is brand new, it may smell like burning the first few times you run it. Again, this is expected and doesn’t indicate a problem with your system.

However, if you smell something burning and the odor doesn’t fade, your unit may have a problem. Let’s explore the top causes of a burning smell from a furnace, plus furnace troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue.

The Furnace Is Overheating

An overheating furnace ranks as one of the biggest causes of a burning smell from the unit. Your furnace may overheat if something fails in the blower motor, heat exchanger, or any of its other components. Debris blocking the unit or clogging your ducts can cause overheating as well.

Fortunately, your furnace has a limit switch that shuts the unit off when it starts overheating to prevent damage. You won’t be able to use the furnace until it cools down.

To prevent overheating, remove debris from your air ducts and ensure nothing blocks them. If the problem persists, something may be mechanically wrong with the furnace, so call an HVAC technician for help.

The Filter Is Dirty and Needs Replacement

“Why does my furnace smell like it’s burning?” A dirty filter may be to blame.

Your furnace filter works to trap debris such as dust, pollen, hair, and other contaminants. Without regular cleaning or replacement, the filter can become completely clogged. Debris trapped in the filter can create a burning odor when the furnace runs.

To prevent this, regularly replace the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. Most filters need replacement after 30 to 90 days. Some, however, can go for six months to a year before needing replacement.

The Furnace’s Wiring Is Damaged

Does that furnace odor remind you of burning rubber? It’s an unmistakable and highly unpleasant odor. If your furnace smells like a burning tire, there may be something wrong with its wiring.

Wires can burn for many reasons, from improper installation to the wrong voltage. When the rubber insulation around wires burns off, it produces the bad odor you’re smelling.

This furnace malfunction is very dangerous as it can cause a fire. Stop using your furnace immediately and call us for help.

You Have a Fuel Leak

If your furnace runs on natural gas or oil, that burning smell could indicate a fuel leak. Natural gas, in particular, has a very foul odor that smells like rotten eggs.

If you smell a sulfur-like, rotten egg stench in your home, stop using the furnace immediately. Disconnect the fuel supply, leave your home, and contact us for emergency repairs.

How To Prevent a Burning Smell From Your Furnace

Regularly replacing the air filter remains one of the best ways to stop your furnace from smelling like it’s burning. Additionally, keep the outdoor unit clean and free of debris that could block it and cause overheating.

If you’d rather leave tasks like these in the hands of the experts, hire our crew at Mountainside Air for furnace maintenance.