What’s Causing That Burning Smell?

If you smell something burning when your heater kicks on, it’s easy to jump to worst-case scenarios. However, not every situation is an emergency. One of the most common reasons for this smell, especially if you haven’t used your heater in a while, is dust buildup. Dust can collect in your heating system during the warmer months when it's sitting idle. Once you turn the heat on, that dust burns off, and you get a bad odor. This is normal and should clear up after the heater runs for a bit. Another potential cause is a clogged air filter. If your filter is full of dirt, it can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to overheat, which may give off a burning smell. This is an easy fix. Simply replace the filter to improve airflow and keep things running. However, if you notice the smell is more like burning plastic or rubber, that’s a red flag. This could indicate an electrical issue, like a component overheating or wires melting. In this case, it’s time to take action before it becomes a more serious problem. You might also notice this smell if there’s something stuck inside the furnace, like a foreign object that’s accidentally made its way into the system.

When Should You Call an HVAC Specialist?

If the smell doesn’t go away after a few hours of running your heater, that’s a clear sign that it’s not just dust burning off. If the odor gets stronger or starts smelling like chemicals or burning plastic, you don’t want to wait any longer. A burning smell accompanied by unusual noises, like grinding, buzzing, or rattling, could point to a malfunction inside the unit, such as a motor issue or a failing component. In this case, it’s best to turn off the system and contact an HVAC specialist right away. Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air can help identify what’s going wrong and fix the problem before it causes any further damage. Also, don’t ignore a burning smell if you have an older furnace. With age, furnaces can develop all kinds of issues, from electrical problems to parts wearing down, which can lead to overheating. This is especially true if you haven’t had regular maintenance. Catching problems early can help prevent the need for a more expensive furnace repair or a complete heating replacement.

Keeping The Burning Smell From Coming Back

Preventing a burning smell from your heater isn’t as complicated as you might think. The first step is to prioritize routine maintenance. Just like you would schedule oil changes for your car, your heating system needs a little love to keep things working. A qualified HVAC company can perform a thorough checkup to make sure everything is in working order. Changing your air filters regularly is another big one. This will keep the air in your home cleaner and help prevent your furnace from overheating. Most filters need to be changed every one to three months, but it’s always a good idea to check your manufacturer’s recommendations. If your furnace has been sitting unused for a while, it’s smart to run it for a short period before the cold weather sets in. This allows any dust that’s built up to burn off before you really need the heat. That way, you can avoid that initial burning smell when you finally do turn it on.

When Repairs Aren’t Enough

Sometimes, your furnace may be beyond simple repairs. If you’ve had multiple repairs or if your heater is getting up there in age, usually around 15 to 20 years, it may be time to consider a heating replacement in Mountain View. While it might seem like a big investment, upgrading to a new, energy-efficient system can save you money in the long run by lowering your utility bills and cutting down on the need for constant repairs. If you’re noticing a burning smell along with frequent breakdowns, a new furnace could be your best bet. An HVAC company can help you determine whether it’s time to replace your old unit or if a repair will do the trick.

Do You Need a Heater Repair or Air Conditioning Repair Service?

A burning smell from your heater can be unsettling, but it’s important to take it seriously. Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air is ready to help you tackle whatever heating challenges you might run into. Don’t let a burning smell get the best of you. Reach out today and get your heating system back in shape. Our team can help you book an appointment for your next furnace repair or air conditioning repair.