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

As temperatures cool in Ridgeland, MS, and nearby areas like Jackson, Kosciusko, Lexington, and West Yazoo City, you may notice a burning smell when you turn on your furnace for the first time. While some odors are typical, others may indicate a problem requiring professional furnace repair or even replacement. At Dent Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, we provide expert furnace services, including heating system tune-ups, to ensure your home remains safe and comfortable all season.

Common Causes of Burning Smells from Your Furnace

  1. Dust Burning Off
    When your furnace hasn’t been used in a while, dust can settle on the heat exchanger, burners, and in ductwork. When the furnace turns on, this dust burns off, producing a brief burning smell. This odor is usually harmless and should fade quickly. Scheduling a regular heating system tune-up with Dent Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing can help reduce dust buildup and improve furnace efficiency.

  2. Electrical Burning Smell
    An electrical burning smell may signal overheating components, such as wiring or the motor. If you detect this odor, it’s best to turn off the furnace and contact Dent for professional furnace repair to prevent further issues.

  3. Burning Plastic or Rubber Smell
    If you smell burning plastic or rubber, it could mean that a foreign object has entered the furnace or that a component inside is melting. This situation requires immediate attention to avoid damage. Contacting a professional to assess and repair the issue can prevent further complications.

  4. Musty Smell
    A musty odor often indicates mold or mildew within the HVAC system, commonly in the ductwork. If this smell persists, it’s essential to have the system inspected to maintain good indoor air quality. Dent Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing can help with duct cleaning and inspections to address any bacterial growth issues.

When Should You Be Concerned About Furnace Smells?

While a brief burning smell from dust is generally harmless, persistent or unusual odors—like burning plastic, electrical burning, or mustiness—warrant immediate attention. Taking action early can help avoid costly repairs or even the need for a complete furnace replacement.

At Dent, we offer furnace repair, furnace replacement, and heating system tune-ups to keep your home warm and safe throughout the colder months. Regular maintenance helps identify potential issues early, improving efficiency and extending your system’s lifespan.

Dent’s Ironclad Guarantees

When you choose Dent Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, you’re backed by our Ironclad Guarantees:

  • No Lemon Guarantee: If your new compressor fails twice within the warranty period, we’ll replace the system at no additional cost.
  • Fixed Right or It’s Free Guarantee: If your furnace isn’t repaired correctly the first time, we’ll return to fix it at no charge.
  • Comfort Guarantee: We promise your system will keep your home at a comfortable temperature, or we’ll make it right.

Our guarantees provide peace of mind and ensure that your family’s comfort and safety are always a top priority.

Contact Dent Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing Today

If you’re noticing unusual smells when turning on your furnace, don’t wait to have it checked. Call Dent Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing at (601) 203-1741 to schedule a furnace repair or heating system tune-up. Proudly serving Ridgeland, Jackson, Kosciusko, Lexington, West Yazoo City, and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to keeping your home safe, warm, and comfortable. You can conveniently request an appointment online for service!

Prepare now to enjoy a worry-free heating season with Dent’s expert care!

We’re Lowering the Cost of Living in Comfort! Get a 3-Ton System For Under $7,000
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I had previously had problems with backup in my home after new gas lines were put in. I was told by Atmos that I had a leak in my pipe just recently. I was told that it was roots in my sewer pipe. I called Dent Plumbers to make re...

- Dorothy S.

Phillip from Dent’s was very knowledgeable, courteous patient and professional. Last Wednesday he ordered the part upon diagnosis, yet came days sooner when the part came in earlier than expected. I was glad, as it gets cold in t...

- Presley B.

Jonathan McDonald deserves a huge thank you. Very efficient young man. Very nice. I’m very impressed with the work y’all have done since getting my new unit. I highly recommend y’all!!!

- Tracy S.

The service technician arrived early and went straight to work. He was very knowledgeable. My A/C unit has been acting strangely, but worked properly while the technician was at my home. Even so, he was able to troubleshoot a few t...

- Brett Z.

What To Expect

Our Ironclad Guarantees

Peace of Mind Guarantee

You don’t have to worry when you choose us. We will treat your home well and do the work properly. You can sit back and enjoy the results!

100% Money Back
Guarantee

If you are not happy with the work performed, you get your money back without hassle.

No Surprise
Guarantee

Surprises aren’t great when you’re asking for HVAC work. We’ll be honest and open about pricing and what you can expect for the process ahead.

Property Protection
Guarantee

Your property will be well protected when our team is on the job. We’ll even clean up well when we’re finished.

Comfort
Guarantee

When we leave your home, it will be comfortable. We’ll keep working until we achieve that.

Utility Savings
Guarantee

When we install or maintain your HVAC system, you will see your utility bills improve. That’s our promise to you.

$500 Installation
Date guarantee

We will install your system on the day we say we will. If we miss that deadline, you’ll get $500 from us.

$500 No Frustration
Guarantee

If your system breaks down during the first year and leaves you without heating or cooling, we will be there within 24 hours, or we will pay you $500 for your inconvenience.

No lemon
guarantee

If a system or part we install fails to operate correctly, we'll make it right!

Peace of Mind Guarantee

You don’t have to worry when you choose us. We will treat your home well and do the work properly. You can sit back and enjoy the results!

100% Money Back
Guarantee

If you are not happy with the work performed, you get your money back without hassle.

No Surprise
Guarantee

Surprises aren’t great when you’re asking for HVAC work. We’ll be honest and open about pricing and what you can expect for the process ahead.

Property Protection
Guarantee

Your property will be well protected when our team is on the job. We’ll even clean up well when we’re finished.

Comfort
Guarantee

When we leave your home, it will be comfortable. We’ll keep working until we achieve that.

Utility Savings
Guarantee

When we install or maintain your HVAC system, you will see your utility bills improve. That’s our promise to you.

$500 Installation
Date Guarantee

We will install your system on the day we say we will. If we miss that deadline, you’ll get $500 from us.

$500 No Frustration
Guarantee

If your system breaks down during the first year and leaves you without heating or cooling, we will be there within 24 hours, or we will pay you $500 for your inconvenience.

No Lemon
Guarantee

If a system or part we install fails to operate correctly, we'll make it right!

See What Your
Neighbors Are Saying

Delighted
Customers

 
I had previously had problems with backup in my home after new gas lines were put in. I was told by Atmos that I had a leak in my pipe just recently. I was told that it was roots in my… Dorothy S.
Phillip from Dent’s was very knowledgeable, courteous patient and professional. Last Wednesday he ordered the part upon diagnosis, yet came days sooner when the part came in earlier than expected. I was glad, as it gets cold in this old house!… Presley B.
Jonathan McDonald deserves a huge thank you. Very efficient young man. Very nice. I’m very impressed with the work y’all have done since getting my new unit. I highly recommend y’all!!! Tracy S.
Read our reviews