Heater smells like burning? Here are ways to prevent the burning smell.
Comfort during the winter season is everyone’s need. Heaters and fireplaces are common sources of warmth during winter, and fireplaces have a distinct burning smell.
Heaters have a burning smell when turned on after a long time, which is normal. But it might be a sign of trouble if it lingers for a long time.
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If you are annoyed by the burning smell, you can use an air freshener. Use it to destroy the odor coming from your heater. Be wary if the burning smell coming from your heater is strong and persistent. Don’t just rely on products to eliminate the smell. Call an HVAC technician to fix it.
Heater smells like burning? Common reasons
As a homeowner, you should equip yourself with knowledge of how things work. It is essential to know the potential causes of the burning smell. In this section, we will cover the likely culprit of the smell.
Burning plastic
The plastic components in your HVAC or heating units can also burn. The reasons might be because of an electrical fire or overheating, and it is also the result of worn-out components like damaged electric wiring.
We can blame another probable cause of this smell on the failing components. Burning dust near the system components can cause a burning plastic smell due to the heat it releases. These particles can clog the system, overheating the ducts, furnaces, motors, and filters.
Burning Dust
Your heater may be prone to unchecked dust build-up because most of us only use heating systems during winter.
The ducts and furnaces accumulate dust over time, and most of our heaters will remain untouched for months after the cold season. When you turn it on after a long time, the dust starts to burn, which causes a burning dust smell.
Dust build-up can contribute to a faulty heating system. Dust burns when exposed to high temperatures.
Electrical Burning
A faulty electrical circuit can cause a burning smell. When a wire is damaged, it can melt the plastics or rubber around it. Check the electrical components in your home’s HVAC system if you suspect a burning smell.
All components will wear and tear over time. Also, the incorrect installation of the wiring can cause a bigger problem.
An incorrect or damaged electrical installation could result in a cracked heat exchanger or overheating of the blower. Electrical burning happens due to faulty circuits.
Overheated blower motor
An electrical burning smell might also mean that your blower motor is working under a very high temperature. Debris and dust can clog the ducts and strain your heating system. The blower motor could overheat due to the dust buildup that traps the heat.
Debris trapped in the heating system
There is also a possibility of trapped objects or animals in the ducts. For central heating that comes with various vents, pinpoint the one you think the burning smell is emanating. There might be debris or dead pests inside the vents.
Debris and dust trapped in the ducts and filters can cause heat build-up, leading to burning.
Best solutions for eliminating burning smell from heater
It is best to pinpoint the causes before acting on a solution. Here are the things you can do to solve a heater that smells like it’s burning.
Do a thorough clean up
Check for your HVAC system’s dust, debris, or other faulty components. Troubleshoot problems by performing checks and doing regular maintenance. Thoroughly clean ducts and vents of objects and dirt as they may cause clogging and overheating.
Clean the heating system interiors. Assess whether to clean or replace the air filters if needed. This will contribute to greater problems if left unchecked. After cleaning, you can zest an air freshener to eliminate the lingering odors.
Check and repair faulty components
Electrical wirings, air filters, motor blowers, and other components are vulnerable to wear and tear, and you must check their health to see if they can still do good. For damaged parts, get them repaired if possible. If you notice signs of failure, replace them immediately.
Furnace repair
Checking the health of your HVAC system will give you an idea of lingering problems. Maintenance is essential to minimize or avoid the burning smell. Practice maintenance checks and repairs or replacement of parts if necessary.
Another common problem is with the furnace filter or air filters. Try cleaning or replacing your filters to improve indoor air quality. A clean filter allows adequate and proper air circulation.
Call an HVAC professional
Sometimes, simple cleaning and DIY repairs may not be enough. If the smell continues, call an HVAC specialist to find the cause and fix it.
FAQ
Is my heater smell normal?
When turning on the heater, the burning smell is typical. Don’t worry, for this is normal and will dissipate immediately. Call a professional if the burning smell from your furnace or heater persists.
Why does my heater smell like burnt plastic?
The smell of burnt plastic can signify an electrical problem or overheated plastic components. Electrical connections that are damaged can cause wire coatings and plastics nearby to burn. Clogged ducts and filters are factors to be considered. Accumulated heat can easily cause plastics to burn.
Heater smells like burning? Get rid of the unpleasant smell
When experiencing odors emanating from your heater, it is usually a symptom of the problem. Check for dust, debris, faulty wiring, or damaged components. It is a must to schedule regular maintenance to prevent issues ahead.
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- ✔ BEST ROOM SPRAY: Freshen and deodorize bedroom, living room, dorm rooms.
- ✔ LEMON ZEST ESSENTIAL OILS: Hypoallergenic. Made with the best essential oils.
- ✔ AROMATHERAPY FOR ROOMS: For all living areas. Invigorating lemon scent.
Smells coming from heating units can indicate a severe problem. When you can’t do anything to solve the smell, it is best to call a professional to handle it.
