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

November 5, 2024 | Blog

When cooler weather begins to creep into Natchitoches, LA, and nearby areas like Provencal, Converse, and Many, you may notice a burning smell when you first turn on your furnace. While some odors are harmless, others might indicate an issue that requires professional attention. At AxsomAir, we offer comprehensive furnace services—including repairs, replacements, and heating system tune-ups—to ensure your home stays safe, warm, and comfortable all winter.

Common Causes of Burning Smells from Your Furnace

  1. Dust Burning Off
    After months of inactivity, dust can accumulate on the furnace’s heat exchanger, burners, and in the ductwork. When you turn on the furnace, this dust burns off, creating a temporary burning smell. This is typically harmless and should fade quickly. Scheduling regular heating system tune-ups with AxsomAir can help reduce dust buildup and improve your system’s efficiency.
  2. Electrical Burning Smell
    If you detect an electrical burning smell, it may indicate that components, such as the motor or wiring, are overheating. This type of smell requires immediate attention. If you notice it, turn off your furnace and contact AxsomAir for a safe inspection and repair.
  3. Burning Plastic or Rubber Smell
    A burning plastic or rubber smell could mean a foreign object is inside the furnace, or that certain components are overheating or melting. This issue needs prompt professional attention to prevent damage and ensure safety.
  4. Musty Smell
    A musty smell may indicate bacterial growth or mildew in your HVAC system, often within the ductwork. Persistent musty odors can affect indoor air quality and should be addressed with a system inspection and cleaning. AxsomAir offers duct cleaning and inspections to help resolve these issues effectively.

When to Be Concerned About Furnace Smells

While a brief burning smell from dust is generally harmless, other persistent or unusual odors—such as burning plastic, electrical smells, or mustiness—should prompt immediate action. Addressing these issues early can help prevent costly repairs or even the need for furnace replacement.

At AxsomAir, we specialize in furnace repair, furnace replacement, and heating system tune-ups to keep your home comfortable and safe. Routine maintenance not only detects potential issues early but also enhances efficiency and extends the life of your furnace.

AxsomAir’s Ironclad Guarantee

When you choose AxsomAir, you’re protected by our Ironclad Guarantee, which includes:

  • No Lemon Guarantee: If your new compressor fails twice within the warranty period, we’ll replace the entire system at no additional cost.
  • Fixed Right or It’s Free Guarantee: If we don’t get your furnace repair right the first time, we’ll come back and fix it at no charge.
  • Comfort Guarantee: We promise your heating system will keep your home at a comfortable temperature, or we’ll take steps to make it right.

These guarantees provide peace of mind, ensuring that your home’s comfort and safety are always prioritized.

Contact AxsomAir Today

If you’re noticing unusual smells when you turn on your furnace, don’t wait to address it. Call AxsomAir at (318) 217-2313 to schedule a furnace repair or heating system tune-up. Proudly serving Natchitoches, Provencal, Converse, Many, and the surrounding areas, we’re here to keep your home safe and comfortable. You can also conveniently schedule an appointment online!

Prepare for a worry-free heating season with AxsomAir’s expert care!

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What Our Customers Are Saying

Excellent Service!

Aaron came for a heating/air tune-up, my first time using Axsom. He called first, was on time, very polite and informative and gave me great tips to save money and I am definitely going to sign up with them from this point on. Excellent service!

Angela W.

Very Friendly and Knowledgeable

Very friendly and knowledgeable service technician named Aaron. Explained what he will be doing and answered our questions. He completed his work and told us about their maintenance plan for HVAC. We purchased the yearly maintenance plan. Would recommend this company.

Curtis L.

Dependable and Reasonably Priced

Over the years AxsomAir has been dependable and reasonably priced. Anthony has been the main person we have seen the last couple years. He has guided us in everything from choosing an entire new system to trouble shooting issues. He is pleasant and gets the issue resolved.

Phyllis S.