If you live in an older or smaller home, you may be familiar with the distinct burning smell of your heater. Whether you’ve noticed it in a single area for a short time or consistently, it can be shocking and somewhat alarming when your home’s heater suddenly emits this odd odor. Although many homeowners fear the worst (like a fire in their HVAC system), most causes of this particular smell are not a cause for panic.
The Startup Cycle
If you’re wondering why your heater seems to have a burning smell, the answer may be because it’s starting up after sitting idle for some time. If you didn’t use your heating system over the winter months (or whenever it has been since last used), there’s bound to be dust and dirt build-up within the components. This can cause your heater to emit a burning smell when you turn it on.
A Dust Problem
A big problem with older HVAC systems is that they’re not sealed like newer models are-which means there’s no barrier between the inside of the unit and the air outside (and all of the dust, lint, dirt, etc. that comes with it). So while turning on your system for the first time may result in an odor, using it after sitting idle for some time again can cause the same issue. It isn’t anything to worry about unless it happens consistently while your heater is running or shortly after shutting it back off.
Signs of Trouble Ahead
If you’ve turned on your heating system and are noticing a burning smell for the first time, but haven’t turned it off just yet, don’t worry too much right away. If you notice the scent only after your heater has been running for some time or within 20 minutes of shutting it off, there’s likely an issue with one of its components. Just keep an eye on it to see if the problem persists.
For example, if the smell is focused in a single area (in other words-it doesn’t seem to be coming from any other area besides where you first noticed it), this could indicate that something is wrong with one of your ducts or vents. This means that there’s likely dust build-up or even rodents trapped inside forcing its way out (which can cause particles to enter your HVAC system and contribute to the odor).
Learn How an HVAC System Works
To understand why your HVAC system has an odor, it’s important to gain knowledge on how the system works overall. Check out this article for a quick primer on how your heating system operates.
An HVAC system is essentially a closed system that works to protect your home from outside elements. These systems can heat and cool an indoor space while pushing out any particles that get in-which is why they’re so valuable during the summer and winter months. At the same time, they can also push air through your home’s ducts and vents, leading to dust build-up over time. This means that there’s a build-up of debris in these locations and an increased chance of rodents entering due to larger openings available when components aren’t properly sealed (like with older HVAC systems).
How to Prevent It
If you start noticing this burning smell consistently after using your heater or within 20 minutes of shutting it off, turn off the system immediately. Then call in a professional service technician to come to check it out for any potential problems (and loose connections that could be causing the burning smell).
There are other things you can do around your house before calling in professionals, though, like giving your vents and ducts a thorough clean. Vacuum them well with a good quality attachment tool (noting where there’s visible dust build-up) and get rid of all of the dirt and grime hiding inside. With newer models, you can also invest in high-efficiency filters to minimize the amount of dust and debris that make their way into your heater system.
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Important Facts to Learn About HVAC Systems
If you own an HVAC system, there are some important facts you should learn about the system. These facts will help you to use and maintain your HVAC system properly, which can prevent odors in your home. Some important facts about these units include:
– An HVAC system is a form of air conditioning that can heat, cool, and dehumidify your home.
– A fan blows the hot or cooled air through ducts in your home.
– Sometimes, when the unit works too hard to cool down your home, it may cause an electrical burning smell.
– If there is a coolant leak in the system, your HVAC unit may cause a burning smell when it switches to heating mode.
– These units remove moisture from your home during the summer months and add humidity back in when needed. This means that an HVAC system can also help prevent mold growth in your home.
– A stale or unpleasant odor can come from pets or simply just old air circulating around your home.
HVAC Maintenance is Important
Having preventative maintenance and service performed on your system is crucial to help avoid any odors or problems with your HVAC system.
Some things you can do to maintain the unit include:
– Change the air filter regularly. When it is time for a change, make sure to replace both your furnace and return ducts’ filters at the same time.
– Have professionals inspect and service your home’s HVAC units regularly, especially if pets are in your home. This is because pet dander can accumulate in the coils of your unit over time, forcing it to work harder than normal to keep up with cooling/heating demands.
– Get an annual inspection of your HVAC system. Some companies will offer free inspections with certain types of maintenance contracts, so be sure to ask!
If you have an HVAC system installed in your home, consider adding a pre-conditioned duct to the installation. This type of system is proven to provide healthier indoor air and can also improve energy efficiency with up to 10% more cooling/heating capacity. If you need help with your HVAC system in Austin, reach out to the experts at Austin AC today.