Core Highlights
- A burning smell coming from your furnace may be normal, or it could indicate serious issues like overheating or electrical problems.
- A qualified HVAC technician can tell you what the burning smell means after an in-depth inspection.
- Thermo Direct techs are available now to schedule furnace maintenance, repairs, and replacements.
- We offer financing solutions to help you pay for major repairs and upgrades to your home heating system.
Is It Normal for the Heat to Smell Like Burning?
It can be distressing to notice a burning smell when your heat turns on. If you smell a new odor coming from your heater or your vents, don’t panic! You should always investigate a burning smell in your home, but it’s not always cause for alarm.
At Thermo Direct, we offer Raleigh-area home heater services, including inspections, repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. Call us to arrange a heater inspection first. We’ll identify the source of the burning smell and provide repair or replacement options tailored to your unique situation.
Types of Burning Smells from Your Furnace and What They Mean
If your heater smells like burning plastic, it’ll be different from the smell of dust burning off. Your furnace may have an issue that needs repair if you smell:
- Burning dust: If your heater smells sweet or musty when you first turn it on, especially if it’s been off for several months, the dust accumulating on and inside it will burn. This is a typical smell that will dissipate after a few hours.
- Burning plastic: A burning plastic or rubber smell is usually serious, indicating an overheating motor, melted wiring, or a foreign plastic item stuck in the system.
- Electrical burning smell: Electrical burning smells often resemble burning rubber or a fishy odor as wire insulation melts, electrical connections fail, or interior components overheat.
- Metallic burning smell: Metallic hot smells could indicate a cracked heat exchanger, failing motor parts, or overheated electrical components due to dirty parts or a malfunction.
- Burning oil: It’s not normal for your heater to smell oily, smoky, or like burnt motor oil. You may have an oil leak, a dirty filter, or a malfunctioning burner.
What Causes Burning Smells from Your Heating System?
The most common causes of a furnace burning smell are:
- Dust accumulation on the furnace and in the vents.
- A dirty air filter that forces a motor to overwork and overheat.
- Furnace belt issues.
- Debris, hair, lint, or other items trapped in the heating system.
- Damaged electrical components or a faulty control board.
- Chemical odors from a new furnace.
When Is a Burning Smell from Your Furnace Dangerous?
Persistent or strong burning odors should never be ignored. Unless you know for sure what the burning smell is, it’s safest to shut the heater off completely and call a certified HVAC technician for assistance right away. You may need emergency heating repair if you notice a burning smell. Act quickly to avoid fires or serious damage to your heating system.
Common Furnace Repairs for Burning Smell Issues
If there’s a burning smell coming from the furnace, we may offer heater repairs like:
- Cleaning or replacing the air filter.
- Removing foreign objects and cleaning the system.
- Repairing overheating parts.
- Replacing faulty electrical components or broken parts.
Before scheduling your repair appointment, we’ll share our recommendations to ensure you’re prepared for the process. We may also recommend booking an annual maintenance appointment to keep your heater running safely and efficiently.
When to Replace Your Furnace Instead of Repairing
Sometimes choosing a furnace upgrade is a better financial decision than scheduling another repair. We recommend replacing your furnace if:
- It’s reaching the end of its lifespan: Furnaces last 15 to 20 years on average. If your device is nearing the end of its life and no longer meets your needs, it may be time to upgrade.
- Repairs are expensive: Some repairs, like a cracked heat exchanger, can be costly. Getting a new furnace may make more sense than putting that money into a failing heater.
- It’s no longer efficient: Components wear out over time, causing the furnace to run less efficiently, heat your home less evenly, and cost you more on your utility bills.
Unsure if it’s time to upgrade your aging furnace? Schedule a furnace inspection with Thermo Direct. Our experienced technicians will provide unbiased advice, considering current and potential issues.
Financing Your Raleigh Heating Repairs
Most of the time, a heater breakdown is unexpected and can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure how you’ll pay for repairs. For this reason, at Thermo Direct, we’re proud to offer Tar Heel State residents various coupons and financing options to take the stress out of furnace repairs.
Whether you need a new control board or are considering replacing your old furnace, with a soft credit pull, you may be qualified for low- or no-interest financing. If these options won’t work for you, give us a call. Our team is flexible. We can provide payment options with no money down. We’re here to help.
Why Choose Thermo Direct for Your Heating Repair Needs?
Our team consistently earns excellent customer reviews throughout North Carolina because we always put our customers first. Our technicians are licensed, insured, and experienced. We’re always happy to help you with anything from deciding where to put your carbon monoxide alarms to professionally replacing your old furnace with a new high-efficiency heater. Don’t hesitate to call us if you need assistance with your home heating setup.
Serving Our Triangle Community
We proudly serve the following areas:
- Raleigh: 27601, 27610, 27615
- Hillsborough: 27278
- Cary & Apex: 27502, 27511
Don’t Ignore That Burning Smell – Schedule Your Furnace Inspection Today
Contact Thermo Direct using our online form, or call us at 984-305-2297 to book your furnace service today. It is important to promptly address any burning smells in your HVAC system. Let us ensure you, your family, and your home are safe. We’ll work quickly to resolve the issue for you, prioritizing your health and comfort so you can enjoy a secure, comfortable home all winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my heating system smell musty when it turns on?
A musty smell in your heater usually indicates mold and mildew growth. Schedule professional heater maintenance, and a tech will come clean out your heater and ductwork, ensuring there’s no mold growth in your drainage lines, filters, or elsewhere.
What does a gas smell from the furnace indicate?
Smelling gas indicates a dangerous gas leak. If you smell gas in your house or around a heater, evacuate the home, call for assistance, and ensure your safety first. Once it’s safe to do so, schedule repairs with a certified HVAC expert.
When is a burning smell from the furnace a sign of a cracked heat exchanger?
A cracked heat exchanger may smell “hot,” but it’ll also be accompanied by a chemical smell. Cracked heat exchanger issues also include a yellow pilot light, a tripped carbon monoxide detector, rattling noises, and soot in your heating system.
