Ew, the furnace smells bad! Don’t worry, it should clear up in a couple hours.
Ah, the holidays! Your home fills with the sweet smells of baking cookies, cinnamon, pine, and…burning? Many homeowners notice a burning smell when they turn on their furnace for the first time during the winter. There are many times when this is not a big deal, but we encourage customers to call if they are worried. It helps to know the signs that indicate that your furnace needs servicing.
Why Do Furnaces Give off a Burning Smell?
Many homeowners turn on their furnaces in the fall, only to detect a lingering burning smell. This is because while you are using your cooling system during the summer, your furnace is sitting around being unused. A layer of dust settles inside the furnace throughout the warm months. This dust accumulates on the heat exchangers as well as on the internal burners.
When you smell burning after turning on your furnace, you are literally smelling the odor of dust being burned away. As air circulates through your air ducts, the burning smell will spread throughout your home. This can be annoying, but it should dissipate within a few hours after turning on the furnace.
What If the Burning Smell Lasts for a Long Time?
If the burning smell does not go away, then it may be an indicator of a more serious problem. While there are many reasons that the smell may not dissipate, here are a few of the most common:
- Your air filter is clogged. This causes the blower motor to work extra hard, causing it to overheat.
- You may have an electrical issue inside the furnace that needs to be fixed immediately.
- There may be a blockage or other problem that is causing the system to overheat.
Overheating and electrical issues can become a fire hazard. If you notice the burning smell for more than a day or so, it is imperative that you call your local HVAC installers to take care of the problem for you!
We Can Help Solve All Of Your Cooling System Problems
If you searching for the best cooling system for your residential or commercial property, you can trust International Services. We are the trusted HVAC repair technicians for families in the Maryland and Virginia areas, and we have been keeping residents comfortable for almost ten years. We provide you with the highest quality services for the best possible price, and we never cut corners. For more information about our services, contact us online or by calling (202) 241-4822, (703) 445-7766, or (301) 534-4822. Do you want more tips on keeping your home cool? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.