A furnace is necessary for providing indoor comfort when the outdoor temperatures are freezing. However, it can be frustrating when your system has a burning smell lingering in your home. Ultimately, this leads to an uncomfortable atmosphere while consuming more energy. Therefore, it is wise to hire an HVAC technician to inspect your unit and fix the malfunction for peak performance. Below are the reasons for a burning smell in your furnace.
Dust On the Furnace
If you engage your system after a duration of dormancy, you may notice a burning smell from your unit. In most cases, this is due to dust accumulating on the heating unit over time, especially during summer. Additionally, clogged air filters can cause dust to bypass them and deposit on the burners. As a result, the dust will burn off after your furnace heats up, emitting a smoky scent. Note that if you neglect getting rid of the dust, it may build up on the burners, restricting heat transfer. Thus, you should clean your unit and replace filters to eliminate this issue.
Electrical Issues
Your heating unit will accumulate a lot of wear and tear over time, hindering its performance. As such, the furnace wiring may become loose, causing a short circuit. On the other hand, voltage spikes and power surges can cause the system's circuitry to overheat. Consequently, the plastic casing on the wires will melt, emitting a burning smell. This may lead to your circuit breaker tripping, rendering your system inoperable. Proper maintenance will avert any electrical faults in the future and ensure proper current flow.
Clogged Furnace Filters
A furnace depends on the filters for clean air circulation. However, these filters may accumulate dirt and other airborne particles, restricting airflow. As a result, poor airflow causes the blower motor to strain in pushing heated air, causing it to overheat. Ultimately, this leads to a burning smell similar to that of gunpowder, triggering the circuit breaker. Thus, you should clean or replace your filters for proper airflow.
Oil Fuel Source
An oil furnace will emit a faint oil smell when operating. However, if this smell lingers, your oil burners could be the culprit. In most cases, the issue may result from thermal stress, causing the burners to crack. Subsequently, the nozzle in your burner may spill a little oil for ignition, causing oil smells. In addition, loose connections can cause oil to leak, leading to the unit emitting fuel odors. Regular maintenance services will help you spot and fix such problems.
You must note that exposure to high concentrations of burning smells from your furnace can adversely affect your health. Therefore, you should employ the services of a heating maintenance expert to service your unit and ensure it operates at peak performance. For more information on heating system maintenance, contact a professional near you.
Share9 January 2023
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