HVAC question

[v0lcom13sn0w]

This morning my wife woke me up saying she heard a loud boom "like something hit the house" then the furnace kicked on amd both of us started to smell some sort of burning smell. i went to the garage (with my pistol lol) and hit the breaker to shut off the furnace not having a clue what might be happening being 3AM.

so far, i know the house isnt on fire so thats good.

my question is do i call a local HVAC company to come out and inspect the furnace or is there some stuff i can check myself before making a call?

ive checked the filters, theyre good. also, nothing feels hot around the furnace. the burning smell has kind of disappated once i shut off the breaker.

house built in '94 and i think the furnace may be original.

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[BWH]

I would look into the capacitor on the fan/blower motor. burning smell.... was it electrical scented or other?
gas heat or electric?
not an hvac guy by trade but a jack of all trades!

if it isnt real evident, and you dont know, spend the money and get a reputable service company out that has good trouble shooting skills. if gas, I would also lean towards a delayed burner ignite for whatever reason, tends to be common with temp inversions at times.

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

thanks.it smelled like dust burning. not a gas smell. im thinking im gonna call someone once they open

 

[Crohnos01]

Did it smell like burning rubber maybe? I would see if there is a structural failure in the bearings or blower housing and the motor was spinning the sheave on the belt if so.

 

[clearconscience]

The motor belt break?
If it broke it could make a loud noise, if it was falling apart it might cause a burnt rubber smell.

Maybe a motor bearing gone out?

 

[Stomper]

Gimme the make, model, and serial number and there's a good chance I can tell you what year it was manufactured..... even though I'm on VACATION!

 

[jbett98]

Oil, gas or electric furnace?

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

Gimme the make, model, and serial number and there's a good chance I can tell you what year it was manufactured..... even though I'm on VACATION!

its 25 years old says the guy i had take a look at it. original to the house lol.

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

Oil, gas or electric furnace?

gas. i had someone come look at it. they explained to me that i need to change my filters more often

 

[NW Backpacker]

Are there cars in the garage? Lawn mowers? Got any gasoline leaks? You might be missing a garage if that had been the problem.

 

[Stomper]

its 25 years old says the guy i had take a look at it. original to the house lol.

The designed general life expectancy for HVAC equipment is 16-20 years (if maintained properly).... you got your money's worth out of it.

 

[Oregonhunter5]

U can replace parts
Don't replace the whole unit
Do the work yourself

 

[308]

U can replace parts
Don't replace the whole unit
Do the work yourself

They are pretty simple if one just takes the time to look at it. I've had to replace gas valves and igniters in the past. Quite a bit can be purchsed locally or off amazon.

 

[clearconscience]

My local hvac vendor for work says he know does 90% of his hvac purchases for parts off amazon.
Of all his distributors, wholesalers, and manufacturers they are hands down the cheapest.

I do some HVAC maintenance at work, but PMs mostly. Sadly I know more about commercial units than my own in my house