Why Does My Heater Smell Like It’s Burning?

Winter time approaches and it’s time to put your heater to use, only for you to realize there is a burning smell emitting from your heating system. Is it harmless? hazardous? Here you’ll learn the different areas of concern and know when to reach out to a professional.

What’s Causing a Burning Smell?

The most common factor of a burning smell comes from dust on the interior components of your heater. No matter if it’s a heat pump, furnace or electric heater – heaters can accumulate dust over time if dormant. Fortunately, this smell should go away after the dust is burnt off, but you should first inspect your unit. Without touching, see if there is an accumulation of dust. If so, allow your unit to run for about 8-10 minutes. If the smell persists or gets worse, contact an HVAC professional for assistance.

But This Smells Like Burning Plastic or Rubber

Sometimes another contributing factor to a burning smell is if a foreign object got caught in the ductwork. Because of this, it will slowly start baking the material away. If this smell isn’t giving off a scent throughout the entirety of your home, try to isolate the location. Knowing where this smell is emitting from is important for health because you don’t want to inhale these burning fumes.

Smelling Smoky

This type of smell is caused if you have an oil furnace in your home and is likely due to the furnace being clogged. The first thing you’ll want to do is try turning off the heater and replacing the filter. If an odor is still present after replacing the filter, contact an HVAC professional soon. If left unresolved, your heating system can overheat and catch on fire.

Still a Burning Smell? Contact Us

If you are still experiencing issues with your heating system, Aux Home Services’ heating repair technicians can get the job done. With our team of trained and licensed professionals, you’re guaranteed to have a functioning heating system that will last throughout, no matter the season.