Why Does Your Heater Smells Like it’s Burning?

Now that the weather is starting to grow colder, many people are preparing to switch on their heaters for the winter. However, the last thing you want to encounter when you turn up the heat on your thermostat is the stench of burning.

No need to freak out if this sounds like your current predicament. Some scents may indicate a serious problem that requires the immediate attention of an HVAC technician, while other unpleasant aromas are more typical. In this article, we'll discuss the possible causes of a burning odor coming from your heater and safe solutions to these problems.

What causes a burning smell from your heater?

Turning on your furnace or other heating devices can bring in a variety of strange smells, and there are a few possible culprits. A professional HVAC technician from Best Owner Direct HVAC should be called in for any serious problems. Still, minor concerns, such as a burning odor, may be able to be diagnosed and fixed by the homeowner.

Dust on the furnace

When you initially switch up your heater, a burning odor may come from dust accumulated on the furnace. Homeowners in Oregon, or any other region prone to extreme temperature swings throughout the year, probably don't turn their furnace on year-round. Your furnace will accumulate dust if you don't use it for a few months. When turned on for the first time after being idle for some time, this dust begins to burn off, potentially filling the home with the acrid odor of plastic.

If your furnace has accumulated dust, don't worry too much about the odor; it should dissipate as the dust burns off. Check to see if dust has accumulated in your device without touching it. If you think dust is to blame for your problem, let the machine generally run for 10 minutes to see if the odor goes away. Shut off the system and contact an HVAC technician if the odor persists or worsens.

Blockage of the furnace from debris

If you have central heating and cooling, it's possible that something got stuck in your HVAC unit or the ductwork while it was not in use. Investigate the possibility of isolating the charred odor in a single room in a house equipped with central heating and many vents. In that case, whatever is blocking your vent is likely the source of the stench.

Find the odor source and see if you can access the vent there. Try to get it open or see inside if you can. A toy, a piece of the heating system, or whatever else could be hidden inside, and you might be able to see it. If you smell burning from your heater, try removing the object from the vent in a safe manner and waiting. If you can't get rid of it safely or if the odor lingers, you should call an HVAC technician for help. 

Dirty air vents or furnace filters

Preventing that burning odor from coming from your gas heater is as simple as keeping up with the required maintenance. Mold or mildew growth is possible in your heating system or ductwork if the filters are unclean or the air vents are blocked. When you turn on your system, you can notice a musty odor.

If you smell something musty emanating from your heater, you should turn it off immediately. The next step is to get the filter cleaned or replaced within the device and then power it back on again. If the smell persists after you've cleaned the filter, it's time to have an HVAC technician look at your system and ducts.

Damaged electrical wiring

A significant electrical fault may be the cause of a burning odor coming from your heater. Over time, normal wear and tear, or a faulty installation, can cause electrical wiring damage. A fractured heat exchanger, an overheated blower motor, and other complications are just a few of the issues that could arise from faulty wiring. These issues are critical and should be dealt with immediately by a qualified HVAC technician. If you smell something burning and think it might be your heater, turn it off immediately and get in touch with an HVAC expert.

When could you need a furnace repair?

As we've seen, there are simple solutions to many of the odor issues we've discussed. However, there are times when a full-fledged furnace repair is necessary. If the burning smell persists for more than an hour after attempting these troubleshooting steps, a more serious problem may be at play, and you should contact an HVAC expert as soon as possible.

A burning odor from a heater could indicate a serious electrical problem, but it could also be caused by structural damage or a faulty component. If any of these are to blame for your furnace's unpleasant stench, a professional HVAC specialist will need to fix the defective part or replace the entire unit before you can use your furnace safely again.

How Can You Avoid A Burning Smell From Your Heater?

Regular maintenance by a trained HVAC technician from Best Owner Direct HVAC is the best method to keep your heater smelling fresh. At least once a year, and possibly twice for some models, you should get your furnace serviced. A professional may clean your furnace, reducing the risk of burning odors caused by dust buildup and checking it for serious electrical problems during a routine maintenance visit.

Moreover, if you undertake the little maintenance you can, like changing the filters every three months, you can keep your unit functioning smoothly and your home smelling fresh. The easiest method to avoid dealing with a burning smell from your heater every winter when you turn up the thermostat is to keep up with the maintenance.