Burning Smells When You Turn on the Furnace

Do you notice an odd burning smell when the furnace switches on for the first time? What about a musty smell? What about burning plastic? Any one of these odd smells could mean you need furnace repair in San Jose, CA. Here is what you need to know to find the source of the odor and avoid serious problems and costly repairs in the future.

Burning Dust Smell

Usually, when you turn your system on for the first time in winter it is common to smell burning dust. When the system sits for long periods of time, like through the spring and summer, dust collects in the ducts and on the heat exchanger. This is not generally a cause for concern. The dust should burn off fairly quickly and after a little while, you shouldn’t notice it anymore. But if an odd smell persists after the first couple of uses you might have to do more investigating to figure out if you need furnace repair.

Musty Smell

Another thing that can happen when you turn the furnace on for the first time is a musty smell. It might smell damp like dirt or dust from the basement or crawlspace. This comes from the dirt and dust collecting in air ducts during the offseason. When the furnace first kicks on it can blow the debris throughout the house. Again, it should go away on its own fairly quickly. If not you could try swapping out the disposable air filters or cleaning any reusable ones. You should be checking these filters once a month during peak use. If that doesn’t work you might have mold trapped in the system from the air conditioning coil or humidifier pane. If this is the case you need to contact an HVAC technician.

Electrical Burning Smell

Have you ever noticed the smell of burning plastic coming from your furnace? It usually means burning electrical parts, and could result in a more serious problem. Perhaps a foreign object, like a child’s toy or unknown spill, is caught in the ductwork and smells when it gets overheated. You can try removing the registers to check for things that don’t belong. Otherwise, you might have an overheating furnace motor or a burning internal piece. In these cases, you need to call a technician to check electrical components.

If you are uneasy about a burning smell coming from your furnace do not hesitate to call Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning. Our technicians will be able to come out and assess your system to make sure your furnace is not a fire hazard. They will also provide furnace repair in San Jose, CA to make sure your system is safe and ready for the season ahead. These types of regular appointments will reduce the risk of hazardous operation and break downs. They can also improve efficiency and prolong the life of your system.