Don’t Panic! 4 Common Causes of Burning Smells in the Home

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You’ve had a hard day at work, but now you’re home with your kids and all is well. Except suddenly, your 3-year-old tells you, “Mommy, there’s a funny smell.” Kids are more sensitive to the slightest change, and that includes unusual smells. What could your child be smelling?

Clearly you should not panic, but you should ask yourself the following: Where is the smell coming from? Is this urgent, and should I call the fire department?

That first question is key. Once you have spotted the source, then you can decide what you should do. Here are four places you should check:

The Kitchen Stove

Image via Flickr by Terence Gilheany

The first place to look is in the kitchen itself. If you have done something recently that might be causing the smell, then perhaps that is what your child is smelling. Check your stove-top to make sure it has not been turned on accidentally. Moreover, if you have spilled something in your oven, then that could well be the cause, too. Ensure your oven is turned off and cool before checking for any food spillages.

The Tumble Dryer

Electric appliances are usually reliable. Even when they break down, they rarely represent a hazard. A tumble drier is very rugged, but it takes a lot of punishment. Therefore, it’s worth checking to see whether it is the source of the smell. If so, turn off the appropriate circuit breaker and call an electrician.

A Faulty Furnace

If you are smelling smoke, then your furnace may be causing the problem. There are a variety of reasons why your furnace may be misbehaving:

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