Some furnace smells are harmless and go away on their own. But there are also furnace smells that could signal a serious problem. Knowing which is which can help you keep your home safe and avoid expensive repairs.

Below, this heating repair company in Lombard, Illinois is going to explain why you should never ignore a burning smell from your furnace.

Should your furnace smell dusty when you turn it on after summer?

When you turn on your furnace for the first time after the summer, it can smell something like burnt dust. When your furnace is unused all summer, dust and dirt collect on the inside. And once it heats up, that dust starts to burn off, which is what creates a burning smell. This smell should disappear within an hour.

But if you can still smell it after an hour or if it starts to smell like burning plastic or smoke, it is no longer just dust. That is when you should take it seriously. Your local heating repair company in Lombard, Illinois can help you understand if this is a bigger furnace problem or if it is just the usual dust burning off.

When should a furnace smell make you worried?

Some smells from your furnace are not normal. For example, if you notice an electrical burning smell, the motor or wires may be overheating. A smoky or chemical smell is even more alarming. It could mean that a part inside the furnace is clogged or burning.

These types of smells do not go away on their own. In fact, if you ignore them, they can damage the furnace and may even create a fire hazard. So, if the burning smell does not go away, you should call your local heating repair company. 

What should you do if your furnace smells like it is burning?

The first thing you need to do is turn off the furnace. This will stop the furnace from running with a potential problem and prevent any more damage.

Once the furnace is off and if it feels safe to do so, check the air filter. If it looks dirty or clogged, change it. A clogged filter can trap heat and cause the furnace to overheat.

But if the smell makes you feel lightheaded or if you see sparks or smoke, leave your home immediately and call 911. If the situation does not seem like an emergency but the smell is still there, contact your local heating repair company. They will know how to inspect your furnace safely and diagnose the real issue.

Can a small furnace smell become a big problem later?

Small furnace issues can escalate into big problems if they are ignored. For example, a dirty filter can burn out the motor and electrical problems can damage the furnace’s circuit board or even start a fire.

You may think that everything is fine if the furnace is still running and keeping your home warm. But an unusual smell can be the first sign that something is faulty inside the furnace. The best thing you can do is call a licensed heating repair company in Lombard, Illinois as soon as you notice something odd.

Looking for a heating repair company in Lombard, Illinois?

If your furnace has a burning smell, you shouldn’t wait and hope it goes away on its own. It’s better to contact a licensed heating repair company in Lombard, Illinois — like Hearthstone Heating & Air Conditioning. Our technicians can find the cause of the smell and fix it as soon as possible. Contact us at (630) 435-9800 to schedule a service visit.