About Heaters

• Central gas heaters -- unlike window units -- are designed to provide heat all over a house or building during cold weather. The gas-powered furnace pumps heat through a house's vents, keeping the occupants warm. The major danger of this sort of system is the buildup of carbon monoxide, which can happen if a furnace is not properly maintained. Carbon monoxide can cause health problems as well as fatalities if not remedied.
  
  

The Burning Smell

• The burning smell people often notice at the beginning of winter comes from a thick buildup of dust on the filter inside of the furnace; when you flip the heater's thermostat on, the dust on your furnace's combustion chamber begins to burn away. You can remedy this on your own. A gas smell, on the other hand, is a sign of a more serious problem that should be addressed immediately by calling your gas company.
  
  

Changing the Filter

• Changing your filter -- and doing so regularly -- is one major way to prevent the burning smell when you turn on your heater. Swapping out an old furnace filter for a new one also saves you money on your utility bills, as it makes your heater more efficient. The operation is fairly simple, and most homeowners can undertake this task themselves. Ideally, you should change the filter three to four times a year. If the smell persists, it could be an electrical problem; call a technician right away.
  
  

More Tips

• Changing your filter isn't the only thing to do for furnace safety. It's also important to keep furniture and other items well away from your furnace, and to clean it regularly when the furnace is not being used. Refrain from shutting more than 20 percent of your furnace openings, or you can cause excess gas and heat to build up. Telltale signs of a furnace fiasco include grinding noises and the presence of yellow flames.