With winter now on the horizon, many of us are starting up our furnaces for the first time in a while. While the first blast of warm air always feels nice, it is not uncommon to notice a burning smell from the heater. Experiencing a burning smell from the heater can be unpleasant and concerning. There are several factors that can contribute to the burning smell coming from the heater. It could just be dust, or it could be something more serious. Either way, Galmiche and Sons is here to help you assess the seriousness of that burning smell from the heater.
If you are dealing with a burning smell from the heater in your St. Louis area home, or if you have any other heating & air conditioner concerns, feel free to give us a call at 314-993-1110.
What Can Cause a Burning Smell From the Heater?
The presence of a burning smell coming from your heater can be a little worrying. While it is a common experience at the start of winter, it is important to be able to determine exactly what the cause of the burning smell coming from the heater is. If you are dealing with a burning smell, look at the list below to figure out what might be causing it.
Potential causes:
- Dust – This is a very common occurrence when you fire up your heater for the first time in a while. Dust and debris settle on various components of your furnace throughout the spring and summer months. As your furnace heats up, this dust will burn off and the smell should dissipate within a few hours.
- Electrical Burning – An electrical burning odor smells like burning plastic or electrical parts. If you notice this electrical burning smell from the heater, it should demand your immediate attention. It could simply be something like a scrap of plastic that got into your heater, or something more serious. If you cannot locate the source of the burning smell, call your HVAC company right away.
- Smoky or Oily Burning Smell – This smell is generally associated with oil burning furnaces and could indicate a very serious problem. If you detect a smoky smell, turn off your heater and reach out to your HVAC professional.
Getting Seasonal Maintenance is a Great Idea
Here at Galmiche & Sons, we love to save our customers as much money as possible and seasonal maintenance does just that. A quick maintenance visit from your HVAC provider at the beginning of winter and summer can help ensure your comfort through any time of year. Doing this is also a great way to catch any issues before they can cause major trouble. Scheduling preventative, seasonal maintenance helps to optimize your system and guarantee a long component lifespan.
Notice a Burning Smell Coming from the Heater? Don’t Ignore It!
As the leading heating & air conditioner provider for the St. Louis area, we have come across every kind of heating issue. If you are having problems with a burning smell coming from your heater, give us a call at 314-993-1110.
