It’s about that time of year again — time to turn on your furnace for the first time. But what’s that smell? Often, during that first fire-up, you’ll notice a burning scent or other unpleasant odor. Typically, the cause is simple, and there’s nothing to worry about. Sometimes, though, you’ll want to call in a heating professional to be sure. Here are some reasons for the burning smell when you turn on the heater.
It’s Just Dust on the Furnace
How often do you dust the outside surface of your heater? If you’re like many others, it’s probably not very often. That accumulation of dust from last season usually burns off the first time you turn on the heater. That’s why it smells so bad.
There’s Debris in the Heating System
Sometimes, the smell may be associated with just one room. In these instances, check your vent. Small items can fall down inside. You’ll notice an odor as the object heats up.
Your Filter or Vents Are Dirty
Regular heating system maintenance is crucial to a well-working furnace. Have you changed the filter or cleaned your vents recently? If not, that could be your problem. The smell of hot dust or debris is definitely unpleasant. Such buildup could even lead to a fire. Replace your filter and dust your vents to see if it makes a difference.
You Have an Electrical Issue
Unfortunately, some heating problems could be more troublesome than just a little dust. Damaged electrical wiring could be at play here, and that could spell real trouble. If the odor smells electrical, don’t hesitate to call in professional help.
We Can Help
At Conan Heating & Air Conditioning we can help to determine the source of your furnace odor and fix any serious issues that could be causing it. We handle both heating and A/C maintenance, repair, and installation. Get in touch with us for all your HVAC needs in Idaho Falls and the surrounding area.
