Why your electric furnace has a burning smell & how to fix it

A burning smell coming from your electric furnace can be concerning, but it doesn’t always mean a serious problem. In many cases, it’s something that can be fixed with a bit of troubleshooting. We’ll walk you through the common causes of a burning smell and show you how to fix them yourself.  

Keep in mind: The details in this article are intended as general advice and may not directly correspond with your particular appliance model. Differences in model features and configurations could mean variations in troubleshooting methods, error messages, or required part replacements. For the best results, consult your appliance’s technical documentation or user manual for guidance.

Dust or debris on the heating elements

One of the most common causes of a burning smell is dust or debris that has settled on the heating elements. When your furnace turns on, it heats up the dust, causing it to burn off, which creates the smell. This is especially common after the furnace has been sitting idle for a while. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Turn off the power to the furnace. 
2. Remove the furnace cover to access the heating elements. You may need to consult your furnace’s user manual for detailed instructions on how to do this safely.
3. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently clean the heating elements and remove any dust. Be careful not to damage the parts.
4. Wipe down the area around the heating elements with a soft cloth to remove any remaining debris.
5. Once the area is clean, replace the furnace cover and turn the power back on.

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Clogged or dirty air filter

A clogged air filter can restrict airflow through your furnace, causing it to overheat. This can lead to a burning smell, as the furnace parts work harder than usual to push air through. It’s a simple fix that can prevent damage to other parts of the system. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Turn off the power to the furnace before starting any maintenance.
2. Locate the air filter, which is usually behind a removable panel or grille. You may need to consult your furnace manual to find its exact location.
3. Remove the filter and check if it’s clogged with dust and debris.
4. If the filter is dirty, either replace it with a new one of the same size or clean it (if it’s a reusable type). To clean, wash it with warm water and mild detergent, then let it dry completely before reinstalling.
5. Check the area around the air filter for any other blockages or buildup. Sometimes, dirt can accumulate in the air ducts, so make sure airflow isn’t restricted anywhere else.
6. Once the filter is clean or replaced, put it back into place, and turn the furnace on again.

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Burning insulation or other materials

Sometimes, the smell you’re experiencing may come from burning insulation or other materials inside the furnace. This could be due to overheating parts or electrical issues that cause materials to burn. It’s important to address this quickly, as it could be a fire hazard. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Turn off the power to the furnace immediately to prevent further damage or hazards.
2. Open the furnace and inspect the insulation around the heating elements, blower motor, and other parts. Look for any signs of burning, melting, or discoloration, which could indicate that the insulation is overheating.
3. If you spot any damaged or burned insulation, it will need to be replaced. Make sure to purchase the correct insulation material for your furnace model, as using improper materials can lead to further issues.
4. Check other parts, such as wiring and heating elements, to ensure there is no heat buildup causing the materials to burn.
5. After replacing the damaged insulation and checking all parts for overheating, close the furnace and turn the power back on.

Overheated blower motor

The blower motor circulates the air through the furnace, but if it overheats, it can produce a burning smell. This could be caused by dirt, lack of lubrication, or a bad motor. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Turn off the power to the furnace to prevent electrical accidents.
2. Access the blower motor by removing the furnace cover, following the instructions in your user manual.
3. Look for any visible dirt or debris around the motor. Dust and dirt can cause the motor to overheat.
4. Use a soft cloth or compressed air to clean the motor and any other parts near it.
5. If your motor has lubrication points, add a few drops of oil to the moving parts (check the user manual for proper lubrication instructions).
6. After cleaning and lubricating, replace the furnace cover and turn the power back on to see if the smell is gone.

Faulty heating elements

If a heating element in your furnace is damaged or bad, it can produce a burning smell. This could be caused by a break in the element or excessive heat buildup due to a bad. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Turn off the power to the furnace before inspecting the heating elements.
2. Open up the furnace to access the heating elements. Be sure to consult your manual for the exact location and how to remove any covers.
3. Visually inspect the heating elements for signs of damage, such as cracks, burn marks, or breaks. You may notice that one or more of the elements look different from the others.
4. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the heating elements. Set the multimeter to measure resistance or continuity, then touch the probes to both ends of the element. If the multimeter shows no continuity, the element is broken and needs to be replaced.
5. If one of the elements is damaged, you’ll need to replace it with an exact match for your furnace model.
6. After replacing the faulty heating element, double-check all connections and ensure the new element is securely installed.
7. Turn the power back on and test the furnace. The burning smell should no longer be present if the heating element was the cause.

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Additional information

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