My heating oil furnace (which also heats my hot water) does this weird thing: Whenever I turn it on for heat, I hear it fire up fine and it begins sending water through the baseboard pipes. But, before it reaches the temp I have my thermostat set for, I hear it no longer has that "fired-up" sound, but more of a "hum". Also, when I open my basement door, I can sometimes smell a slight burning smell that actually smells more electrical than fire-like. So, I turned my furnace off and don't use it for heat anymore. It doesn't ever do this while heating water. I am new to oil heat and this type of furnace. Is this normal? Thank you in advance.

Sorry I don't have a magical cure for you. Oil furnaces really should be serviced annually. The service company should replace the nozzle, clean the cad cell, and replace the oil filter. The filter really should be replaced each year since fuel oil is organic and bacteria can grow in it and plug it up. All these things should cost less than 160 dollars and with the price of fuel oil will pay for itself in better efficiency. Good luck and have a happy new year

Actually, the company already came in and did all of that a few weeks ago. They also cleaned the chimney. Problem is, I hadn't used it yet (I only moved here in the summer.) So, I am wondering if this is normal, or something I need to call them back for.

Thanks.

Call them back, should be warranty, no trip charge. There maybe a part you will be charged for.