What to Do When Your Heater Produces a Burning Smell

It might sound natural for heaters to produce a burning smell, but this might indicate a problem in your equipment that needs immediate attention. The source of the odor could potentially harm your heating system and the entire household. 

According to Cafco Services, a reliable HVAC repair company, here are the things you should know about the burning smell coming from your heater and what to do about it.

Common Causes of the Burning Smell in Your Heater

Various factors cause your heater to emit a burning smell. Here are the most common ones:

Furnace Dust

If you haven’t used your heater in a long time, dust buildup in the unit will burn as the heating element increases its temperature. Homes in the Mid-Atlantic and other regions with changing seasons probably have dusty furnaces left untouched over the hotter months of the year. The burning plastic smell after you’ve turned on the furnace is probably the burnt-off dust from the heating element.  

This situation doesn’t require HVAC installation companies to solve. After a few minutes, the smell should disappear completely. If it’s been more than 30 minutes and the smell hasn’t disappeared or has become worse, we recommend consulting an HVAC repair contractor to help you.

System Debris

It’s hard to detect a stray object or debris that may have fallen into your HVAC or ductwork if it wasn’t used for months. This might emit a slight burning smell once the heater is turned on. Check each room to know which area has the strongest burning smell. 

You can remove the trapped debris with a platform or ladder high enough to reach the vent. Remove the covers and check for anything that shouldn’t be inside your HVAC system. If you find any debris or contaminants, remove the object and see if the smell disappears within 10 minutes. Call an HVAC contractor if the burning scent doesn’t go away.

Dirty Filters and Air Vents

A musty smell upon turning up the heat from your system is a sign of mold and mildew clogging your filters or trapped inside the vents. If left unattended, your indoor air quality will be affected due to the burnt mold and mildew escaping the vents.

Mold and mildew in your duct system need professional cleaning. Call an HVAC service provider to replace your dirty filters and clean your vent system. They can also perform HVAC maintenance to check for any mold in your indoor and outdoor units and improve your HVAC’s performance.

Electrical Burning Smell

A burning electrical smell is a sign you need a professional contractor immediately. It’s an indicator of a serious electrical issue caused by various factors, such as general wear and tear of the circuits, cracked heat exchangers, overheated blower motors, and other issues.

When you smell ozone or a burning electrical smell, turn off your system quickly and place warnings not to turn on the system. If there are exposed wires, isolate the area from use until experts have inspected your equipment. Only call professional contractors to help with your electrical troubles.

The Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance

When you work with heating and air conditioner maintenance companies, you can choose a convenient schedule for upkeep and prevent issues like burning smells. Experts will inspect your system for any issues, clean it and ensure it’s working properly before winter arrives. Here are the other benefits of regular HVAC maintenance:

No Burning Smells

An HVAC inspection once or twice a year will prevent burning smells from occurring. It also reduces the risk of downtimes and repairs needed. Experts can immediately replace worn-out parts and clean other components to keep them dust- and debris-free during operations. For instance, they can check if your furnace and heating element are working well and ready for prolonged use during winter.

Longer Lifespan

Regular inspections from HVAC installation companies let you extend your system’s lifespan. Most systems can last for 10 years, but a well-maintained system can last longer than that. Keeping your system debris-free and well-lubricated ensures it doesn’t push its limits during operation.

Improved Safety

Babies and older adults are at risk when your heating and cooling system breaks down in the middle of the coldest winter. The cold can seriously affect their health. You can avoid all of these if you know your HVAC’s current condition, repair any issues promptly and be aware of its efficiency level through annual inspections.

Energy Efficiency

A well-maintained HVAC system reduces your energy consumption all year round. Without obstructions, vent leaks, dirty fans, and clogged filters, your system doesn’t have to work harder than it should. Furthermore, it won’t damage its components because it wouldn’t go beyond the usage recommended by manufacturers.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Professional heater and air conditioning maintenance companies can help improve your indoor air quality. Burnt mold and debris circulating indoors can cause health risks for everyone at home. These can lead to allergies, asthma, and sinus symptoms. Experts will remove pet dander, dust, bacteria, and other debris from your filters and vents to improve indoor air quality. They may also offer ways to improve your indoor air quality, such as the installation of air purifiers, in case you have a high volume of air contaminants.

Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Heater

Heating systems need replacement when they’re too old. A burnt smell might be due to worn-out components that would be too expensive to repair or replace individually. Here are some signs that your heater needs replacement soon:

An Old Furnace

The average furnace lifespan is around 15 to 30 years. We recommend saving up and searching for a replacement furnace once your old one reaches its 15th year of use.

Loud Operational Noises

You might quickly recognize changes in the operating noise of your furnace after having used it for several years. If you hear popping, rattling, or screeching that wakes you at night, you might have loose ducts, damaged furnace blower motors, or temperature fluctuations. Have a professional contractor check it for you.

Imbalanced Interior Temperatures

A noticeable temperature difference in every room indicates issues with your vents or the HVAC itself. The system’s heating element might be malfunctioning and losing efficiency. It might lose its capacity to send heat to the upper and lower floors of your home.

Request an HVAC Quote Today!

Need the best technicians to look into your heating and cooling system? Turn to one of the best in the industry — Cafco Services. We are a reputable HVAC repair contractor who can address various issues and meet your heating and cooling needs. Call us at (513) 242-3400 or fill out this contact form to request an estimate.