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Why Do I Smell Something Burning When I Turn On My Heating System?

October 29, 2024 | Blog

As temperatures drop in McComb, MS, and surrounding areas like Brookhaven, Jayess, and Tylertown, you may notice a burning smell when you first turn on your furnace. While some odors are normal, others may indicate a problem requiring professional attention. At Southern Air of Mississippi, we offer expert furnace services, including repairs, replacements, and heating system tune-ups, to keep your home safe, warm, and comfortable throughout the winter.

Common Causes of Burning Smells from Your Furnace

  1. Dust Burning Off
    After months of disuse, dust can accumulate on your furnace’s heat exchanger, burners, and in the ductwork. When the furnace is first turned on, this dust burns off, creating a brief burning smell. This odor is generally harmless and should dissipate quickly. Scheduling a regular heating system tune-up with Southern Air can help minimize dust buildup and enhance furnace efficiency.
  2. Electrical Burning Smell
    An electrical burning smell could signal an overheating component, such as the motor or wiring. This type of smell should not be ignored. Turn off your furnace and contact Southern Air of Mississippi for furnace repair to ensure the safety and functionality of your system.
  3. Burning Plastic or Rubber Smell
    If you detect a burning plastic or rubber smell, it could mean a foreign object is inside the furnace, or a component is melting. This situation requires immediate professional attention to prevent damage or potential hazards.
  4. Musty Smell
    A musty odor could indicate bacterial growth or mildew in your HVAC system, often in the ductwork. Persistent musty smells should be inspected to maintain good indoor air quality. Southern Air of Mississippi offers duct cleaning and inspections to resolve these issues effectively.

When Should You Be Concerned About Furnace Smells?

While a brief burning smell due to dust is common, persistent or unusual odors—such as burning plastic, electrical smells, or musty odors—should prompt you to take action. Addressing these issues early can prevent costly repairs or even the need for a furnace replacement.

At Southern Air of Mississippi, we specialize in furnace repair, furnace replacement, and heating system tune-ups to keep your home comfortable and safe. Routine maintenance can help catch minor issues before they escalate, boosting efficiency and extending your furnace’s lifespan.

Southern Air’s Ironclad Guarantees

When you choose Southern Air of Mississippi, you’re covered by our Ironclad Guarantees:

  • No Lemon Guarantee: If your new compressor fails twice within the warranty period, we’ll replace your system at no extra cost.
  • Fixed Right or It’s Free Guarantee: If your furnace isn’t repaired correctly on the first visit, we’ll come back and make it right at no additional charge.
  • Comfort Guarantee: We guarantee that your heating system will keep your home at the desired comfort level, or we’ll take steps to ensure it does.

Our guarantees provide peace of mind, ensuring your family’s comfort and safety are always our top priorities.

Contact Southern Air of Mississippi Today

If you’re noticing unusual smells when you turn on your furnace, don’t delay. Call Southern Air of Mississippi at (601) 207-0910 to schedule furnace repair or a heating system tune-up. Serving McComb, Brookhaven, Jayess, Tylertown, and the surrounding areas, we’re here to ensure your home remains safe, warm, and comfortable. You can also conveniently schedule an appointment online!

Prepare now for a worry-free heating season with the trusted expertise of Southern Air of Mississippi!

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What Our Customers Are Saying

Honest, Knowledgeable and Hardworking

Brendon, the plumber, is the absolute best I have ever worked with. Honest, knowledgeable, hardworking. Nice to see these days. Have recommended him to the landlord I work for concerning plumbing problems.

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Professional and Knowledgeable

The repair guy was very professional and knowledgeable. He repaired my system and it’s like new again. I will definitely use Southern again and I will tell family and friends about my experiences. Kudos to Southern!!!!!

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Our guy came out and did a great job per usual! They are always courteous and professional. We appreciate their attention to detail and how they never leave without solving the problem if possible.

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