Why Is There a Burning Smell Coming from My Heater?

A burning smell coming from your heater could be caused by several things. It could be due to dust and debris that has built up in the heater, which then burns when the heater is turned on. It could also be caused by a faulty electrical component, such as a bad motor or capacitor, or it could be due to an oil leak.

If you notice the smell persists despite doing things like replacing air filters and cleaning air vents, it may be best and safest to have an HVAC professional inspect your heater to determine the cause and proceed with repairs.

Reasons Why a Heater Smells Like It’s Burning

Dust Has Accumulated in the Heater

Dust is one of the main causes of a burning smell when you turn on your heater. Have you noticed this burning smell the first time you turn on your furnace in the heating season? Your heater is likely burning off dust it’s accumulated during months of inactivity.

Although the smell coming from your heater may be unpleasant, it usually lasts only a couple of hours. If you’re particularly bothered by the smell, it helps to open a window or turn on a ventilation fan until the smell goes away.

Old Filters

Replacing air filters is an important part of keeping unpleasant smells at bay and keeping a healthy space for customers and employees.

Air filters help to remove dust, dirt and other airborne particles from the air, which can help to reduce allergies and improve air quality. Replacing your air filter regularly can also help to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, as a clogged filter can cause it to work harder than necessary.

Dirty Air Vents

A burning smell in your heater may indicate dirty air vents, which can also be a major source of indoor air pollution. Air vents are known to accumulate dust, dirt and other debris that can be circulated throughout your building. This can contribute to or exacerbate a variety of health problems among your employees or customers, including allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues.

It’s important to have your air vents regularly cleaned to ensure that the air quality in your commercial space isn’t compromised.

Something Is Stuck in Your Heating System

When something flammable or meltable is stuck in the heating system, it can cause a burning smell to come from your vents. This smell is usually caused by something lodged in the system burning off or melting as the heater runs. The smell can be quite strong and unpleasant, and it may be accompanied by smoke. If you notice this smell coming from your vents when your furnace is operating, it’s important to turn off the system immediately and contact a professional for help. An HVAC technician can inspect the system and remove any debris or objects that may be causing the issue.

Electrical Issues

If you think you smell the odor of burning plastic coming from your furnace, the source may be an electrical issue in your heating system. This is likely a serious matter and it’s important to take action immediately.

One of the most common causes of a burning plastic smells coming from a heater is a short circuit. This occurs when a hot wire touches a neutral wire, creating an overload of electricity that causes the wires to heat up and melt the insulation around them. This can create a burning smell that resembles burning rubber or plastic. If you notice this smell coming from your heater, turn off the power immediately and contact an HVAC technician who can inspect the wiring and determine the best course of action.

Commercial Heater Diagnostic and Repair Services in Arlington

If your heater has a burning smell that persists or needs repairs, don’t wait for matters to get worse.

Contact Tom’s Mechanical, Inc. today to get your heater fixed quickly and efficiently. Our experienced technicians are ready to help you get your heater back up and running in no time.

For more information or to schedule a service appointment, call (817) 984-5779.