How come when my electric furnace comes on it smells like something electrical is burning?
by
Rose M
+11
14 answers
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Rose, that's possibly because something is, there might be a short in a wire or something. I would have is looked at by a reputable HVAC persona as soon as possible.
Dan's of Central Florida, Inc.
on Oct 18, 2011
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Could be the fan motor. I agree with Dan. Don't mess around. Get this looked at before using
Harold M
on Oct 18, 2011
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I called my HVAC guy and he said it was probably because it hadn't been on in a while. Came on this morning - first time since he looked at it over 10 days ago- when we had a few days of cold weather. Odor went away after a while then.. Then came on again early this morning (after over 10 days) and woke up to odor-it had already turned off and hasn't come on since. Told him I would try turning up thermostat up this evening and see what happens after it is on for a while.
Rose M
on Oct 18, 2011
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Could be nesting animals in the chases or ductwork but first heats each year burn up simple things like spiderwebs and dust in general and can get that burnt wire smell. If the system is acting up like you describe, I'd have someone look at it pronto! See if there's any HVAC contractor/members here on HomeTalk who are doing biz where you are located. I'm sure you'd have a good chance of hearing from someone sooner if you posted what city you're in at least! best to ya, get that thing checked out before it gets really cold! JL
JL Spring & Associates
on Oct 18, 2011
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Will have to wait till it gets cold again....Thank-you, JL - I am in Reno, NV
Rose M
on Oct 19, 2011
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In most cases the heating system is attached to the AC system as well. During the summer months dust collects on the coil and water sits in the pan as well. When heat first comes on at the beginning of the heating season the heat evaporates the water and dries out the coil and heats up the dust collection on the coil. This can make a burning smell. In addition, if your using heating coils much like that of a toaster has although they do not glow red, they do get pretty hot and any dust that collected on them burns off. This smell should go away after one or two days at the most. That is most likely the smell your talking about. Be sure to change the filters at least twice a year. More so if the house is very active.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 19, 2011
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Change your filter....this should be done every 30 days but most people forget. Sounds like debris in the unit or ducts as the other have said. You should have a professional go over the unit at least once a year. It sounds like your guy went over it....do you have alot of spiders in the house? How old is it and have you ever cleaned the ducts out?
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Oct 19, 2011
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Now it makes this "clicking" noise and gets really hot (the unit; fan cover, etc.) and you can see the heating element turn red - but the fan doesn't come on. It has come on a few times, and worked a couple of times in the pass couple of days. Can still smell odor. When The fan comes on (most of the time-especially when you turn it on manually, and it has been making "clicking" sound). When the fan does come on it blows out luke warm air. Afraid to leave it on - because of odor and heating element (and "clicking" noise), and there is SO much heat coming from the unit. Unit is cool when yu turn fan on and the luke warm air is coming out.
Rose M
on Oct 26, 2011
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It is about 20 years old -have changed filter. is located in mobile home.
Rose M
on Oct 26, 2011
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Rose, you mentioned before that you called your AC guy and he made a suggestion, but you have no said if he came out to look at things in person. If he has not done that yet, have him come and give things an inspection. At 20 years old, it may be at the end of its lifespan.
Dan's of Central Florida, Inc.
on Oct 26, 2011
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The blower fan control is faulty. The fan should always run when the heating element is powered on. You should NEVER see the element get red hot like that. Do not use this until a professional AC company takes a look at it and fixes it. The odor is the overheating. This can start a fire if there is any insulation within the area of the element or against the ducts on the outside near it. The clicking noise is most likely the relay that powers the fan. Something is wrong. Again Do not Use this for fear of fire.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 26, 2011
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Thank-you. Waiting for someone to get back to me. Having a real cold spell here in Reno right now. Last night was first night below freezing (in 20's) Everyone busy.
Rose M
on Oct 26, 2011
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Thanks for letting me know that you got my reply. I was worried. Check for contractors on Home-talk site. You may be able to find one faster. Do a search for them off top of page.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 26, 2011
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Agree with everything Woodbridge has told you!
Emperor cooling and heating
on Oct 27, 2011
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