heating technician talking to homeowner

Why Is There a Burning Smell Coming from My Heater?

January 10, 2021

A properly functioning furnace shouldn’t release any odors when it heats your home. If you notice a burning smell coming from your heater, it’s important to do a little investigating before you call for a furnace repair. Here are three reasons why your Helena, MT, home’s heater could be discharging a burning odor.

Dust on Interior Components

If you haven’t used your heating system in a while, the burning smell could be from dust burning off the interior components. If this is the case, the odor should go away after a couple of heating cycles, explains the Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office. If you still smell a burning odor after more than one day, you may need a furnace repair.

Dirty Filter

A clogged air filter doesn’t allow the blower to push the heated air through it and into your home’s ducts. The heat stays around the heat exchanger, and this can cause it to overheat. If you smell a combination of burning dust and an unusual metallic or formaldehyde type of odor, check the air filter. It’s a good idea to set a monthly reminder on your phone to check the filter. Don’t go longer than three months between air filter changes.

Electrical or Mechanical Problem

If you smell an odor of burning plastic, metal or electrical components, immediately turn off your heating system. It could have a wiring problem, overheated motor or worn bearing. It’s also possible that a child or pet pushed a plastic item into the ducts or vents, and the heat could cause it to release a burning smell. If you also see smoke or your carbon monoxide or smoke detector sounds, exit your home, and call for emergency heating repairs.

For more information about why a burning smell is coming from your heater, take a look at Superior Heating & Cooling, Inc.’s furnace repair services, or get in touch with our heating contractors today.

You May Also Like

5 Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality in Basin, MT

5 Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality in Basin, MT

Poor quality of air is an invisible hazard that can harm your family's health and the quality of their day-to-day lives. Depending on your home's circulation, you may even have more concentrated pollutants inside than you do in your outside air. Watch out for these...

Why Does My Ductless Mini Split in Helena, MT Make So Much Noise?

Why Does My Ductless Mini Split in Helena, MT Make So Much Noise?

Your Helena, MT ductless mini split should provide your home with quiet cooling, and you might not even know when it's running most of the time. However, ductless mini splits can make enough noise to get your attention and leave you wondering if something is wrong....

Is My HVAC System Inefficient in East Helena, MT?

Is My HVAC System Inefficient in East Helena, MT?

As we gear up for another sizzling summer in East Helena, MT, ensuring the efficiency of your HVAC system is crucial. A smoothly running system keeps your home comfortable and saves on energy bills. Let's unravel the telltale signs of HVAC system inefficiency. Rising...

call to schedule an appointment today

Pin It on Pinterest

Compliance Settings
Increase Font Size
Grayscale
Simplified Font
Underline Links
Highlight Links
Reset
Close