When you turn on the heat, is there a burning smell from your furnace? Anytime it smells like something is on fire, panic is the reasonable response. Before you call 911, we have some common reasons you might smell that worrisome odor.
The First Time You Turn on the Heat
When the colder weather outside calls for warmer temps inside, it’s time to turn on the heat. At the beginning of heating season, when you turn the furnace on for the first time, it could smell like something is burning. The good news is it’s usually just dust gathered on the burners over the summer when the AC was on instead of the heat.
Overheating Electrical
Overheating electrical components is a more serious issue to consider if you have a burning smell from the heater. While furnaces have a safety switch that turns the furnace off if there’s overheating, if that switch fails, the burning smell could evolve into an electrical fire.
The Air Filter Could be the Culprit
A clogged air filter can lead to that burning smell from your heating system. The filter traps dust and debris before it can damage your HVAC system. If the filter is excessively dirty and clogged, the furnace must work harder to pull air through for heating. That overwork can cause a burning smell.
These issues could explain that fiery smell when you turn on the furnace. If the odor doesn’t go away within a minute or two, your heating system needs immediate attention from an HVAC professional. Don’t wait for a catastrophe - contact the HVAC team at G+S Heating and Air.
