Four Reasons Why a Heater Smells Like Burning

Professional Services
July 20, 2022

Winters in Wisconsin get pretty harsh. We rely on our heaters to keep us warm in those bitter months. When the cold air comes sweeping in, you don’t want to be worrying about a malfunctioning heater.

 

At Professional Services, we know that a burning smell from your heater can be scary for a few reasons. Today, we are here to put your mind at ease by explaining why a heater smells like burning and how to handle it. Learn more below or click the link to learn about HVAC services in Saukville  by Professional Services today.

 

Why Does My Heater Smell Like Burning?

There are several reasons why a heater smells like burning. Some of these problems are simple fixes, while others require professional assistance. Knowing what to do in these situations can save you a lot of headaches and repair costs. 

 

Some houses have furnaces, and some have other heating set-ups, like heat pumps or space heaters. A burning smell from any of these heat sources demands immediate attention to avoid further issues. If your heater is giving off a burning smell, consider these issues:

 

1. Dust in the Heater

The most common cause of a burning smell in a heater is dust. If you turn off your furnace or heating unit during the warmer months, it will collect dust. When this dust builds up on components like the heat exchanger or burners, your heater will emit a burning smell when you turn it on again.

 

What You Should Do

If dust is the culprit of your burning smell, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Dust that collects on your heater during extended shut-off periods will burn off when you reactivate your heater. That smell then flows through your air vents until the dust burns away.

 

If you experience a burning smell after not using your heater for a while, let the heater operate for ten minutes or so. If the burning smell disappears or decreases significantly, there’s no need for concern. If the odor persists, you should contact an HVAC professional.

 

You can avoid dust-burning smells by cleaning your heater before turning it on for the season.

 

2. Old Furnace Filter/Dirty Vents

If you don’t replace the filters in your heating system regularly, they can clog up and create a burning smell. Old air filters can also cause mold and mildew to grow inside your ductwork, causing a musty odor.

 

What You Should Do

Regularly replacing your filters will prevent burning odors related to build-up on older filters. Change the air filters in your heat system every three months to maximize performance.

 

If you’re experiencing a musty odor, check your furnace or heater for mold and mildew. Turn the heater off, clean it thoroughly, and replace the filter. If the musty smell remains, there may be mold or mildew in your home’s ductwork.

 

Leave ductwork cleaning to properly trained HVAC professionals. Doing so ensures the use of the right chemicals and tools by technicians with experience. You may also need a professional to check the rest of your home for mold to eliminate health risks.

 

3. Something Is in Your Heating System

If your heating system produces a plastic- or rubber-burning smell, something that shouldn’t be there is probably lodged in your vents or ducts. Kids’ toys, pet toys, or other small household items often wind up in the HVAC system. When you turn the heater back on after the warm season ends, these items create an unpleasant plastic-burning smell in the ventilation system, indicating a potential issue like furnace ignition failure.

 

What You Should Do

The first thing to do if you notice a plastic- or rubber-burning odor is to try locating it. Check each room of your home and see whether you can find where the odor is strongest. If there’s a room where the smell is notably stronger, open the vent and try to locate and remove any items that don’t belong.

 

Plastics and rubbers can emit toxic fumes when they burn. If you can’t find and remove the item causing the smell, turn off your HVAC system immediately and call a professional.

 

4. Electrical Issues

If it smells like something electrical is burning in your heating system, it could be a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Wear and tear or shoddy installation can damage the wires in your HVAC system. These issues can also cause the heater’s blower motor to overheat. 

 

Many heating systems will shut down once they begin to overheat for safety reasons. However, faulty wiring can cause the heating system to malfunction and continue to overheat. This is a dangerous situation that you should take seriously.

 

What You Should Do

Burning electrical components are dangerous. Faulty wiring can cause several components of the heater to overheat and catch fire. Turn off your HVAC system immediately if your system is emitting an electrical burning smell. Do not attempt HVAC repair by yourself. Contact an HVAC technician who can safely handle and repair the system.

 

How To Prevent a Burning Smell From Your Heater

Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your heating system from creating burning smells. Have your furnace inspected annually and replace the air filters in your HVAC system every three months. Keep your furnace or heater clean and look for signs of electrical issues.

 

There are other signs that something may be wrong with your furnace or heating system. If you smell oil or gas near your furnace, this could indicate a fuel leak, which can be very dangerous. Regular upkeep with your heating system will prevent small problems from becoming major ones, saving you time, money, and frustration.

 

If your heater smells like burning and the simple solutions aren’t working, you need professionals who know about HVAC systems and furnace repair. Professional Services proudly serves Port Washington, WI, and the surrounding communities.


Learn more about HVAC evaporator coils here and Contact Professional Services in Port Washington, WI. Call us at 262-218-2636 or email us anytime at customerservice@professionalservicestoday.com for any questions or a free quote!

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