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Why is There a Burning Smell When I Turn on My Furnace?

Furnace Repair Company in Philadelphia

A furnace is one of the most important elements of an HVAC system. It provides the necessary heat to combat cold nights or cold winter months. However, when you turn on your furnace to warm the house after a long time and smell something different, don’t be alarmed. This is quite normal and should be an opportunity to contact a furnace repair company in Philadelphia like Angel HVAC. This way, you can get a full report on your heating system to ensure everything is operating optimally before the cold months ahead of you. Below, we are going to look at some of the possible causes of a burning smell when you turn on your furnace.

Electrical Burning

Most furnaces are designed to power down when they overheat. However, if it doesn’t power down, then there could be a problem with the safety feature in your system that needs urgent fixing. Ignoring this problem for too long could result in electrical fires that pose a health hazard to you and your family. The best solution is to get an expert to inspect the entire heating unit for any burning electrical components. This way, you can get ahead of the problem and avoid expensive repairs.

Burning Dust

Most homeowners turn off their furnaces during the warmer months, only powering them on during winter. During this time, dust and dirt can build up within the vents, burners, and heat exchangers. When you turn on the heating unit in preparation for the cold season, it produces a burning smell as the dust burns off. This smell is then carried by the vents throughout your home, interfering with air quality.

However, after some time, this smell will clear off. All you need to do is check and clean your heating system, and you are good to go.

Burning Plastic

The smell of burning plastic usually indicates a foreign substance in your heating system. Some popular finds include children’s toys, plastic bottles, and plastic bags. When the plastic is exposed to heat, it produces fumes harmful to those in your house. Immediately you get a faint smell of burning plastic, turn off the furnace and contact a heating repair company in Philadelphia.

Clogged Air Filter

Cleaning out your air filter can also help eliminate the burning smell from your heating unit. When your filter is clogged, the blower has to work overtime, causing it to overheat – causing the burning smell to emanate. Keep in mind that the clogged filter increases dust accumulation within your heating unit, which eventually burns off to produce the burning smell.

Smell of Oil or Smoke

There are different types of furnaces, each with its heating system. However, if you are using an oil furnace, then it is likely to produce a smell similar to oil or smoke. To prevent this smell, change the oil filter regularly to prevent overheating. When the smell is persistent, turn off the heating unit and wait for the technician. This way, you can prevent the unit from catching fire.

Contact Us Today

The best approach to dealing with a burning smell is to get a furnace repair company in Philadelphia to check your entire unit. This way, you can get the system ready for optimal function. Call today for the best services.