Gibson
Overheating Components or Electrical Overload
Furnace produces a strong burning or electrical smell when running
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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 burning off heat exchanger after long off period, Overheating blower motor, Loose electrical connections on Gibson control board, Melted insulation on wiring
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: If you smell burning plastic or see smoke, turn off power immediately and do not use the furnace until inspected.
Steps to check:
- Initial seasonal odor: A mild burning dust smell for the first few cycles at the start of heating season can be normal. It should dissipate quickly.
- Inspect blower and wiring: With power off, remove blower door and look for discolored wires, melted insulation, or scorch marks on the control board.
- Motor temperature: Carefully touch the blower motor housing after it has been off for a few minutes. It should be warm but not extremely hot. Overheating motors often need replacement.
Persistent or strong burning smells require professional diagnosis to prevent fire risk.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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