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Why Is There a Burning Smell When I Turn On My Furnace?

October 24, 2024 | Blog

As the weather cools down in Hazlehurst, MS, and surrounding areas like Crystal Springs, Wesson, Brookhaven, and Byram, you may notice a burning smell when you turn on your furnace for the first time. While some odors are completely normal, others may signal a problem that requires professional furnace repair or even furnace replacement. At Channell Heating & Cooling, we offer expert furnace services, including heating system tune-ups, to ensure your home stays warm and safe all season long.

Common Causes of Burning Smells From Your Furnace

  1. Dust Burning Off When you turn on your furnace after a long period of inactivity, dust that has collected on the heat exchanger, ducts, or burners burns off. This results in a burning smell, which typically disappears after a few minutes. This odor is common and not a cause for concern. To minimize dust buildup, scheduling a regular heating system tune-up can help.
  2. Electrical Burning Smell An electrical burning smell could indicate overheating parts, such as the motor or wiring. This can be a sign of serious trouble and should not be ignored. If you detect this odor, it’s best to turn off your furnace immediately and contact a professional HVAC technician from Channell Heating & Cooling for furnace repair services.
  3. Burning Plastic or Rubber Smell If you smell burning plastic or rubber, it could mean that a foreign object has found its way into your furnace. Wires, components, or other materials may be overheating or melting, which can lead to further damage. In this case, immediate professional attention is necessary to prevent safety hazards.
  4. Musty Smell A musty smell when you turn on your furnace may suggest mold or mildew in your HVAC system, particularly in the ductwork. If this odor persists, it’s wise to have your system inspected and cleaned to prevent poor indoor air quality.

When Should You Be Concerned About Furnace Smells?

While a brief burning smell is often due to dust burning off and typically resolves quickly, other odors should raise concern. If the smell persists or if you notice unusual odors like burning plastic, electrical smells, or musty odors, it’s important to schedule a furnace inspection. Addressing these issues early can prevent expensive furnace repairs or even furnace replacement down the road.

At Channell Heating & Cooling, we specialize in furnace repair, furnace replacement, and heating system tune-ups to keep your home safe and comfortable during the winter months. Regular maintenance not only helps catch potential issues early but also improves the efficiency and lifespan of your heating system.

Channell’s Ironclad Guarantee

When you choose Channell Heating & Cooling, you’re backed by our Ironclad Guarantee. We stand behind our work with several guarantees, including:

  • No Lemon Guarantee: If your compressor fails twice within the warranty period, we’ll replace your system at no cost.
  • Fixed Right or It’s Free Guarantee: If your furnace isn’t fixed correctly the first time, we’ll return and repair it at no additional charge.
  • Comfort Guarantee: We promise that your system will heat and cool your home to your satisfaction, or we’ll make it right.

Our guarantees give you peace of mind that your home’s comfort is in good hands.

Contact Channell Heating & Cooling Today

If you’re noticing unusual smells when you turn on your furnace, don’t wait to take action. Call Channell Heating & Cooling at (601) 255-7347 to schedule furnace repair or a heating system tune-up. Serving Hazlehurst, Crystal Springs, Wesson, Brookhaven, Byram, and the surrounding areas, we’re here to ensure your home stays warm and safe this winter. You can also conveniently request an appointment online! By focusing on furnace maintenance now, you can enjoy a worry-free heating season.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

Professional and Respectful

Brad and Levi installed my new unit. They were both professional and respectful. Brad is a very good person. He has an amazing testimony. I enjoyed talking to him and his work ethics. Brad and Levi did a great job. It feels good to have air again. Thank you for your service.

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They installed our old system and took care if all maintenance since 1995. This year it finally needed replacing. They installed a quality Trane system and it’s been running efficiently ever since. Very thankful for their service.

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Definitely recommend Channell Heating and Cooling. Their staff is honest and friendly (even when my dog nips their ankles). Always available when I call, even on weekends and holidays. Been using them for home and work for many years. Great company.

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