If you have noticed a burning smell coming from your furnace, you may be concerned about the safety of your family. The improper burning of certain materials can cause a lingering burning odor. Burning objects that should not be placed in a fire can also cause a health hazard, so it is best for you to review what not to burn.
Materials To Avoid Burning
These objects could be the source of that burning smell coming from your furnace. Avoid burning these to keep your family safe this winter.
- Cardboard could be treated with chemicals that may make this material a hazard. Noxious fumes can be released during burning. It is even possible for the chemicals found in some cardboard to start an auxiliary fire.
- Treated wood also contains chemicals that can be toxic to breathe in when these woods are burned. This is why it is not recommended that people burn furniture items.
- Unseasoned wood can be difficult to burn because it has not been properly dried out. It takes approximately one year for wood to be ready to be burned. Unseasoned wood causes lots of smoke and may not catch fire easily.
- Trash can contain all types of particulates that may be dangerous to breathe in. The wide variety of materials found in the trash pile can cause serious issues.
- Plastic produces noxious fumes when it is burned.
- Pine trees that are left over after Christmas are too fresh to be burned. These trees will produce a lot of smoke that can make it difficult for people to breath.
- Wrapping paper is another material that has been treated with chemicals. The colors in wrapping paper could also be toxic when burned.
Let a Professional Help Keep Your Family Safe
Are you still wondering about that burning smell coming from your furnace? Health and safety hazards should not be taken lightly, so it is recommended that you consult with an HVAC technician. The professionals at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing help Indianapolis homeowners stay safe and comfortable in their homes. Contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing for an appointment.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Piotr-Marcinski/Shutterstock”
