As the temperatures drop and you can feel the chill in the breeze, it only means one thing — it’s time to get the heater on. It’s important to ensure that the heater is functioning well, especially when you need it the most. Making yourself comfortable in your own home during the winter season is the best feeling, right?
It’s quite common to find a burning smell in the air when you first turn on your heater. It’s also important to note that it could be a warning sign of a more significant issue. Here are a few of the most common reasons for that burning smell.
Clogged Air Filter
After many months of not being used, dust and debris form in the heater’s air filter. When the filter is clogged, the blower motor exerts more power which causes it to overheat. Hence, poor air movement through the system and filter can cause a burning smell. Once the furnace heats up, the smell should go away in an hour or so. If the heating smell does not go away, it’s advised to call for professional heating repair services to get your heater working properly again.
Making sure to replace and clean your air filter can guarantee proper airflow to maintain good heating and air quality inside your home.
Wiring Issues
A burning smell could indicate a serious electrical problem or wiring issue. Without adequate airflow, the furnace blower motor may overheat, and this can cause a burning smell. The smell could indicate a cracked heat exchanger—a severe and potentially dangerous issue in the worst case. Electrical burning smells and burning plastic odors need to be taken seriously and immediate repair services are necessary to prevent future HVAC issues.
It is uncommon to encounter wiring issues with the heater but it does happen. Worst case scenario, unresolved wiring issues can lead to damaged electrical components. Keep in mind that a professional fall HVAC maintenance tune-up service is recommended to guarantee the function of your heater throughout the winter. Contact us at YAZD Mechanical today for more information on heating repairs, installation, or general HVAC questions!