What would cause a burnt plastic smell when furnace is running?

Question

This morning, we started noticing a burnt plastic smell (primarily in our bathroom and kitchen) when the furnace is running. You can sort of smell it in other rooms, but it is more prevalent in the bathroom and kitchen. We have a gas furnace. Any ideas on what could cause this?

Answer 1

I don't want to scare you, but that could be wiring insulation melting. Have a furnace place check this out ASAP!!

Answer 2

Your blower motor is gone. The windings have began to deteroriate and it will only run a few more hours. You buy one exact fit at Graingers and install it yourself. The label on the side tells the exact size and speed.

You can help yourself by switching a few wires in the blower compartment. There is a schematic on backside of blower door. If you are connected to LOW speed on heat, then connect the wires to MED speed on heat. That will give you a different winding in the motor and sometimes a motor on a different winding will last for years more.

Answer 3

It could be alot of different things, but I would have it checked out ASAP:) I wonder if it is definately the furnace, or just the fan blowing the smell around more when it kicks on?
Good Luck to You...and be safe!

Answer 4

It may be the electrical windings in the blower motor beginning to burn out. Other than that, there is nothing else unless something got sucked into the system and against the heat exchanger.

Answer 5

Most likely is the wiring for the blower fan. (Will it start a fire? - Not likely, but you need to have it fixed, as it will fail and you will have no heat.)

I can't think of anything else, unles the controller circuit board is also in your air box. (Mine is.)

Answer 6

you need to have someone come over to check that out.. it may be behind a wall or your ducks need to be cleaned..

I wouldn't mess with that.. something is getting to hot..!!!