Fraser-Johnston
Overheating Components or Dust Burn‑Off
Strong burning or electrical smell when the furnace runs.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Dust accumulation on heat exchanger and burners, Overheating blower motor, Electrical short or loose connection, Foreign object in supply duct
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: If you smell burning plastic or see smoke, shut off power immediately and call a technician. Do not ignore persistent burning odors.
- Initial seasonal odor: A mild burning dust smell is common the first few cycles of the season. It should dissipate within an hour.
- Inspect blower motor: With power off, check for discoloration or burnt smell near the blower motor. If present, the motor may be overheating and should be replaced.
- Check wiring: Look for melted insulation or loose connections on the IFC board and at the blower and inducer.
- Professional inspection: Persistent or strong odors require a full safety inspection by an HVAC technician.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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