Burning Furnace Smell

Take Precautions Right Away

Even if you’ve had burning smells coming from your Boston furnace in the past, it’s best to take precautions and be very careful when you get the smell again after turning on the unit.

If you haven’t used the furnace in months, then there can be many reasons why there is a burning smell, especially if you haven’t taken the time to get a professional out to maintain and clean the unit.

If necessary, it may be best to turn off the furnace until you can determine what the burning smell is, and if you can’t determine where the smell is coming from, be prepared to call a professional.

Possible Reasons Why The Furnace Has A Burning Smell

1. A furnace can have burning smells for many reasons, but one reason, in particular, is the blower. The blower is necessary for a furnace to send warm air into the home, and without it, the furnace is pretty much useless.

Even though this blower should be working properly when it’s on, it’s possible that it can break down, especially if it’s not well-maintained. A blower that isn’t working correctly can cause overheating in the furnace, which not only will result in the burning smell, but this can also pose a fire hazard as well.

2. Although most people choose to change their furnace filter when they turn it on again after leaving it off for so long, not everyone does this.

Those who choose to turn on the furnace with the same old dirty filter inside may be smelling something burning because the filter itself may have caught on fire, or it’s possible that the dust from the filter is burning up, which is then causing the smell. Always make sure to change a furnace’s filter before turning it back on.

3. Although this goes without saying, nothing that can catch fire should be anywhere near a furnace. Many tend to leave toys, shoes, clothes or other objects around a furnace, and this is a fire hazard and extremely dangerous.

Keep the furnace clear of any debris to make sure this won’t cause any burning smells.

I Can’t Find The Cause

If you’re unsure about what’s causing the burning smell, then simply call the HVAC professional that services your Boston unit, and have the service person come over as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep the furnace off until the source of the burning smell can be determined.

Is your furnace in smelling up your Boston, MA home? Call Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning today at (617) 566-6990, and get that foul odor out of your home.