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Why Does My Furnace Smell Like It’s Burning?  

October 30, 2024

If you notice odd odors coming from your furnace, it could be a sign of a major problem. Certain odors can provide a clue as to the problem that you’re having. 

If your furnace has an acrid odor, you might wonder why there is a present, unpleasant smell. 

Although a burning smell can be normal early in the heating season, a continued odor could be hazardous. It could indicate issues with the electrical wiring or natural gas supply. Learn more about how a burning smell could indicate a safety or maintenance issue below.

When a Burning Smell Is Normal

Over several months of not using the furnace during warmer seasons, it’s normal for the system to become covered in a thin layer of dust. When dust appears in the heat exchanger, the ignition system, and the ducts, it may cause an odd burning smell the first time you use the furnace.

As long as the odor is brief and only occurs the first couple of times the furnace runs during the cooler weather season, the burning smell is normal.

When You Should Worry About a Burning Smell From the Furnace

“Why does my furnace smell like it’s burning, and should I call someone about it?” If you ever believe a burning smell is worrisome, you should always call a heating and cooling professional for help.

Issues That Need Repair or Maintenance

Some burning smells can indicate a problem with the operation of the furnace, including:

  • Blower motor: If the blower motor is overheating, you may notice a burning odor. If you have blocked return ducts or a clogged system that blocks airflow, this could cause the motor to overheat. Check any vents for signs of blockage; otherwise, you may need to call for repair, as you could have a blockage inside the ducts.
  • Dirty filter: A dirty or clogged furnace filter can cause a burning or hot smell. The clogged filter may inhibit airflow to the point that the entire system overheats. It also could cause dust to remain in the system, which kicks off the burning smell each time the furnace starts.

Issues That Indicate an Emergency Situation

If you smell burning plastic, you might have faulty wiring that could lead to a house fire. You should call a service team for a furnace inspection immediately.

If you believe you smell natural gas, which should resemble a rotten egg odor, always call your utility provider for emergency shut-off service and an inspection of the gas line. You then can call your HVAC provider to inspect the furnace for any other problems.

Trust Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning for Help With Troubleshooting Your Furnace 

Rather than trying to troubleshoot the issue on your own and potentially missing a key factor that could indicate a safety issue, reach out to a professional for help.

At Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning, we can handle any issues with your furnace. We offer trustworthy repair and maintenance services. To learn more or to set up an appointment, call us today at (424) 455-0173.


About The Author

Brody Pennell

Since 1945, Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning is the committed to helping homeowners in the greater Los Angeles area experience total home comfort. In 2021, the readers of the Los Angeles Times voted Brody Pennell the Best HVAC Company in the area.

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