Rheem
Overheating Components or Dust Burn-Off
Strong burning or electrical smell when 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, Overheating blower motor, Electrical arcing at connections, Melted wiring insulation
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: If you smell burning plastic or see smoke, turn off power immediately and do not operate the furnace.
- Initial burn-off: A mild burning dust smell is normal for the first few cycles of the season. It should dissipate quickly.
- Inspect blower and wiring: With power off, remove panels and look for discolored or melted wires, especially near the blower motor and control board.
- Check motor temperature: After brief operation, carefully feel the blower motor housing. It should be warm but not too hot to touch. Overheating may indicate a failing motor or blocked airflow.
- Correct airflow issues: Replace filters and open vents to reduce overheating.
Persistent burning or electrical smells require professional diagnosis to prevent fire risk.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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