As temperatures drop and you reach for the thermostat, encountering a burning smell from your heater can be alarming. While it’s easy to jump to conclusions about serious malfunctions or impending doom for your HVAC system, there are several benign reasons why your heater might smell like it’s burning.
From the accumulation of dust during the off-season to a dirty filter or even a stray sock stuck in the vents, this blog post delves into the common causes of that disconcerting odour. We’ll guide you through simple troubleshooting steps and when it’s time to call in the professionals, ensuring your home remains both warm and safe.
Reasons Why Your Heater Might Smell Like It’s Burning
Reason 1: Dust
If you’ve had your heater off for the summer, you may notice a burning smell when the weather starts to get colder, and you turn it back on. This may just be due to a build-up of dust within the heater components that happened during the warmer months. To avoid this, you can dust your heater before you turn it back on for the season.
Let your heater run for ten minutes and, if the burning smell has dissipated at all, then there’s no cause for concern. If the smell continues, contact an HVAC technician to look for other sources for the smell.
Reason 2: Dirty Filter or Vents
If your air filter hasn’t been replaced in a while, it may cause a burning or musty odour. We recommend changing your filter every three months to avoid this problem. Turn your heater off, thoroughly clean it, and replace the filter. If the smell persists, contact an HVAC technician to see if there’s further damage in your house’s ductwork.
Reason 3: Electrical Issues
If it smells like electrical wiring is causing the burning odour, there may be a more serious problem that needs repair. While most heaters will shut off automatically if they overheat, faulty wiring can interrupt this process. If you suspect the cause of the smell is electrical, you will need a trained professional to assess the situation.
Reason 4: Something In The System
It’s not uncommon for small household items to get stuck in your vents. If the burning odour smells like plastic or rubber, find the room where it smells the strongest and check the ductwork to see if there’s anything in there that shouldn’t be. Simply removing a random object may stop the smell. If you can’t see anything, you may need a professional to look further into the vent system.
Are Burning Smells Normal?
Your heater should not smell like it’s burning in normal working conditions. Even though this smell isn’t normal, there are a few common causes—like dirt or stuck objects—that can be easily fixed and aren’t harmful in the long term. You should always take burning smells seriously, though, in case it is a more serious problem like an electrical failure.
What to Do if Your Heater Emits a Burning Smell
If you notice a burning smell coming from your heater, you have two options: either turn it off and call a professional or try to find the source yourself. You can quickly fix some issues, like replacing a dusty or dirty filter, but you may want professional assistance if you can’t find the problem easily.
When to Call a Professional
Recognizing when it’s time to call a professional is crucial. If your troubleshooting efforts don’t resolve the issue, or if you suspect it’s electrical or beyond your ability to diagnose, it’s best to contact an expert. A persistent burning smell warrants immediate attention, and you can ensure your home’s safety and comfort by contacting Top Hat Home Comfort Services today. Our team of experts is ready to diagnose and resolve any heating system concerns, restoring peace of mind and warmth to your home.
