Your heater is essential to your home when the weather gets colder, keeping you and your family warm. However, if the air smells like it’s burning whenever the heat turns on, it may mean it’s time for your heater to get serviced!
Aire Serv is your local Ft. Worth heating company to contact. While a burning smell emitting from your heater doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a fire or pose an immediate threat, it does mean that you need to take action. Read on to learn more about heater repairs and maintenance for your home.
Burning Smell From Heater
There are several reasons why your heater might be creating a burnt smell. Sometimes, the solution to solve it is simple, while other times, you might need the help of a professional. You can always call your local heating and cooling company when you’re in doubt! The following are some of the most common reasons why your heater might have a burning smell.
Dirty Furnace
Old or dirty vents inside your heating system are usually the culprit behind the burning smell it produces. If you don’t replace the filters or clean your vents regularly, this can cause a buildup of dust to accumulate on components such as the heat exchanger, causing a burning smell. Old air filters may also have mildew and mold growth over time, causing the air to have a musty scent.
To combat smells from a dirty furnace, you can clean your heater when it’s fully turned off. However, it would be best to leave the intricate work to heating and cooling professionals – they’ll make sure to use the proper methods and tools to navigate your heating system’s inner workings.
If your furnace is moldy, you may also need to enlist the help of a professional to perform an indoor air quality test. Testing your indoor air is the first step toward eliminating any health risks that arise from harmful mold growth.
Object Inside Heating System
If your heater has a plastic or rubbery smell when turned on, this may be an indication of a toy or household object inside your heating system. This is more common in households with children and pets since their toys may end up in strange places.
The smell could be due to the plastic or rubber burning inside the HVAC unit. These materials can emit toxic fumes when burning, so it’s crucial to locate the object as soon as possible. If you can’t find it, you should shut off your heating system and call a professional right away.
Damaged Electrical Wiring
In the most severe cases, a burning or electrical smell coming from your heater means your system may have some serious electrical problems. General wear and tear over time or improper installation can cause serious damage to the wires in your HVAC system. Exposed or frayed wiring could result in the blower motor overheating or a cracked heat exchange, along with various other issues.
Usually, most heating systems automatically shut off as a safety measure if the temperature climbs too high. However, damaged electrical wiring can cause the unit to malfunction, potentially causing a fire. Visually inspect your unit for signs of damage and reach out to our team for trusted furnace repairs.
Professional Furnace Repair
If you find yourself in need of heater or air conditioner repair, the Aire Serv team is here for you! Our experts are equipped to handle anything air conditioning and heating related. To learn more about our services, call one of our team members today – we’re more than happy to help.
