What to Do When Furnace Smells Like Burning?

Winter can be harsh without a furnace in your home or office. Furnaces provide comfort and warmth during the cold months, making them essential appliances. However, like any appliance, they can malfunction and cause problems. One issue that should be addressed immediately is a burning smell from the furnace. A burning smell can indicate a severe problem that can compromise the safety of your premises. This article will discuss what you should do when furnace smells like burning.

We will provide steps you can take immediately to ensure your safety and prevent further damage. We will also discuss the importance of regular maintenance checks to avoid furnace-related issues. Following the tips in this article, you can keep your furnace operating safely and efficiently, providing comfort and warmth throughout the winter.

Shut Off the Furnace

Shutting off the furnace immediately when you first notice a burning smell is crucial in preventing further damage that can compromise your safety. Here are the steps to shut off your furnace immediately if you smell burning:

Locate the Power Switch

The first step is to locate the power switch of your furnace. Look for a switch near the furnace, usually in the basement, garage, or utility room. If you can’t locate the switch, check the circuit breaker panel. Look for the breaker labelled “furnace” or “HVAC” and turn it off.

Turn Off the Gas Supply

If your furnace operates on gas, locate the gas valve, typically near the furnace. The valve will be labelled “on” and “off.” Turn the valve to the “off” position to cut the gas supply to the furnace.

Turn Off the Thermostat

Turn off the thermostat or adjust it to a lower temperature to stop the furnace from turning on. It will prevent the furnace from generating any heat while you locate and address the issue that caused the burning smell.

Once you have followed these steps, you should open your windows or doors to ventilate your home or office to reduce the burning smell.

Check for Any Obstructions

One common cause of a burning smell from the furnace is obstructions. Obstructions in the furnace or air ducts can block airflow, leading to overheating and a distinctive burning smell.

The blowing of cold air could indicate that the furnace has debris or foreign objects blockages. Debris like dirt, dust, animal hair, or pieces of insulation can get inside the furnace, blocking or partially blocking the airflow. Lack of air can lead to overheating, which could cause a burning odour.

Here are some tips that can help you locate and remove obstructions from your furnace:

• Inspect the Furnace: Inspect the furnace carefully, looking for any visible signs of debris or foreign objects. Pay close attention to the registers, where dust or debris accumulated in and around the grates, and where the filter is located.
• Remove Obstructions: Using a vacuum cleaner, clean the debris or foreign objects you found obstructing the furnace. Also, remove any dust and debris from the air ducts and registers. If possible, replace the furnace filter.

Look for Any Visible Signs of Damage

Another reason your furnace might be producing a burning smell is the presence of visible signs of damage. These damages can compromise the safety and efficiency of your furnace and affect its ability to provide heat.

Visible signs of damage, such as cracks, rust, or excessive wear and tear, can also cause a burning odour from the furnace. These signs of damage can indicate that the furnace is overheating, leading to a burning smell. For example, a broken belt can cause misalignment or uneven wear on critical components, making it difficult for the furnace to work correctly. Overheating can cause these damages to worsen, which results in a burning odour.

Here are some tips to help you look for visible signs of damage in your furnace:

• Check for rust or corrosion: Rust or corrosion in various parts of the furnace can indicate that the furnace is malfunctioning. These parts may include the heat exchanger, burners, or pipes. Rust or corrosion in any of these parts can cause overheating and produce a burning smell.
• Inspect the furnace’s belts: Furnaces have belts that help turn the blowers and fans. Over time, these belts can become worn or broken, causing them to slip or produce heat. Worn-out belts can cause the furnace to produce a burning odour. Inspect the belts for any visible signs of wear and tear, cracks or breaks, or looseness.
• Check for holes or cracks: Holes or cracks in components such as heat exchange or vent pipe can lead to a build-up of hazardous gases or excessive heat, which could produce a burning odour.
• Look for visible signs of wear and tear: Inspect different parts of the furnace, such as the heat exchanger, burners, and furnace components, for visible signs of wear and tear. These signs of wear and tear indicate that the furnace is overworking and produces a burning smell.

Call a Professional

If your furnace is producing a burning smell, it is essential to contact a professional HVAC technician. Attempting DIY repairs could have severe consequences, as it can put you at risk of injury and even damage your home.

DIY repairs can be dangerous for both you and your machine. Not only are these repairs potentially life-threatening, but they can also cause severe damage to your furnace or air ducts. Attempting DIY repairs on complex equipment like furnaces requires considerable knowledge about the system’s workings. Without sufficient understanding and experience with such devices, you may end up causing more harm than good if you make a mistake during the repair process.

Other risks involve working around combustible elements like gas or strong electric currents in furnaces. It puts you at risk of electrocution or fire if something goes wrong with the repair process. It is also essential to understand that any temperamental changes made without authorization could void any warranty on your furnace’s components.

It’s always best to call an HVAC technician when repairing a furnace that produces a burning smell or any other warning signs of trouble. Professional technicians have years of experience handling different furnaces, so they know what needs to be done to fix it properly without putting anyone in danger. They can diagnose potential problems quickly, safely repair them, and provide routine maintenance as needed for maximum efficiency.

Preventative Maintenance

Regular maintenance checks can help ensure your furnace has no problems. A professional technician will look for rust, cracks, and worn-out parts. It helps them find and fix things before they get worse. It is essential to do this regularly so that the furnace stays in good working order and does not cause a fire or other problems.

Here are some tips to help you maintain your furnace:

• Schedule maintenance checks regularly: It is essential to schedule regular maintenance checks for your furnace to ensure it is in good working order and free from potential problems. The frequency of these check-ups will depend on the age and condition of your furnace.
• Have a professional technician perform the check-up: To ensure that the health of your furnace is assessed properly, you should have a certified HVAC technician complete the inspection and provide necessary repairs or replacements if needed.
• Prepare for safety inspections: Before having a professional inspect your home’s heating system, it’s essential to clear out any combustible material, such as rags, cleaning solutions, paint thinners, or other flammable materials from around the area where technicians will be performing their work.
• Expect an assessment of all parts: During routine maintenance visits, professionals typically assess all parts associated with operating furnaces, including belts, burners, heat exchangers, vent pipes, and exhaust vents, for signs of wear and tear or rust/corrosion build-up.
• Ask about preventive measures: Professionals can also help by providing preventative measures such as lubricating blower motors, tightening electrical connections, and checking for blocked air filters which can help reduce the risk of future issues.

Conclusion

DIY repairs of a furnace can be dangerous and have serious repercussions. It is important to know the risks associated with attempting DIY repairs and always call an HVAC technician when there is any sign of trouble. Regular maintenance checks are also key to keeping your furnace in top working order and reducing the risk of potential damage or injury caused by malfunctions.

Professional technicians have the expertise and experience to ensure your furnace runs safely and efficiently. It’s in your best interest to follow these guidelines and contact an HVAC technician if you notice any problems with your furnace. It will help you keep your home warm, comfortable, and safe for years.