There are many different common causes for the smell of burning when turning on heat. The first thing that people notice is that there is a smell of burning. This can be in their home or business and usually happens during the colder months when they turn on their heating system. Some people may know what it is because they smell it frequently, but others may have never smelled it before.
This article discusses eight main causes of the burning smell when you turn on your heat.
1. Debris in Furnace Filters
When you turn on your heat, the furnace fan will run and draw air through the filter. If the filter is covered in dust or lint, it can cause a burning smell because the airflow is restricted. This can also happen if you have an old filter that must be changed regularly. The solution is to replace the old filter with a new one.
2. Dust in Ducts
Dust can be a problem in the ductwork of the heating system. It can get there when you run your air conditioning in the summer. This makes sense because the AC has to pull air from the outside, and dust from outside can get sucked into your ducts, where it collects.
The heating season is coming, so if you smell burning when you turn on your heat, check inside the register of your furnace for dust and clean it out.
3. Old Furnace Parts
The heat exchanger can become corroded and cause a burning smell. Additionally, the motor bearings may be worn out or need lubrication. If so, call a professional HVAC technician to service the furnace. This happens because of improper air distribution or insufficient air supply to the motor and burner assembly. The furnace part should be renovated or replaced entirely.
4. Faulty Electrical Wiring
If the burning smell is more of a burnt rubber odor, it could be due to electrical wiring that has become overheated or damaged. This can happen if the wiring needs to be updated or updated or needs to be installed properly. If you suspect this is the cause of the burning smell, then it is important to call an electrician immediately.
5. Gas Leak
Gas leaks can be a major cause of the smell of burning. With a gas leak, it is important to have an inspection before the heating season starts to avoid this problem. This happens because gas is heavier than air, so it will float upwards to your register and collect on top of the registers or ductwork in your heating system. This can cause a burning odor. Regardless of what is causing it, if there are any concerns about natural gas leaking or you see any signs of it, contact an HVAC technician immediately.
6. Burnt Thermostat
After turning on your heat, a bad odor could be from your burner thermostat. If you notice that the temperature does not adjust or does not seem to be working properly, it can cause your furnace to run continuously. This will cause a burning smell but can also use up your fuel and possibly damage your heating system. If so, call a professional HVAC technician to service your system and ensure everything is running properly.
7. Broken Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is the most likely culprit for this burning smell. This is the device where the combustion process occurs and converts fuel into heat. If damaged or cracked, it can cause an odor ranging from sweet to burnt. This happens because of uneven heating in the home or building, which causes the airflow in your heating system to be restricted.
8. Mold/Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew growth is a concern in any household because they can cause various health problems, including allergies and respiratory ailments. It also causes an unpleasant smell, especially when you turn on your heat. The smell of burning is due to the cold air hitting the mold and causing condensation, causing the smell.
If you notice mold or mildew in your heating system, it is important to get it cleaned out immediately by calling a professional HVAC technician.