Furnace Smells Like Burning

jeffery hofer • March 14, 2023

Why Does My Furnace Smell Like Burning?

It’s the dead of winter and you turn on your furnace only to be greeted by a burning smell throughout your home. Don’t worry, Comfort Zone HVAC is here to help! There are a few different reasons why your furnace might be emitting a burning smell and we’re here to break it down for you.


Dirty Air Filters


The most common reason for a furnace emitting an unpleasant odor is that the air filters have not been changed in awhile, or have accumulated too much dust and debris. When air filters get clogged with dirt, the airflow becomes restricted which can cause the heat exchanger to overheat and emit a burning smell. To prevent this from happening, make sure you regularly change or clean your air filters.


Malfunctioning Parts


In some cases, the burning smell may be caused by malfunctioning parts in your furnace. A faulty switch or motor can cause electrical components inside the furnace to overheat and emit an odor. In these cases, it’s best to call in a professional so they can diagnose the issue and determine what parts need to be replaced.


Oil Build-up


If you have an oil-powered furnace, then chances are that the burning smell could be due to an oil build-up in the combustion chamber. This build-up can cause fumes that will enter your home through vents or other openings in the system, resulting in an unpleasant odor. To fix this problem, it’s recommended that you get your system checked for any potential blockages that may be causing oil build-up.



It’s never fun when something goes wrong with your furnace during the cold winter months – but don’t worry! Comfort Zone HVAC is here to help! If your furnace smells like burning, then it could be due to clogged air filters, malfunctioning parts, or oil build-up if you have an oil powered system. Make sure to regularly check and maintain all of these components so that your furnace runs smoothly throughout winter season. If you need furnace repair then don't hesitate to call us. If you ever experience any issues with your HVAC system then don't hesitate to give us a call – we're here for all of your heating needs!

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