Burning Smells And Your Heater: What You Need To Know

When you turn on your heater, you do not expect to smell a scent that resembles something burning. If you begin to notice that smell, your mind may begin to race with questions. Here are a few common questions related to burning scents and your heater, and the answers to these questions. 

Is It Normal for a Burning Smell to Be Present When You First Turn on Your Heater?

When you run your heater for the first time this winter, it is fairly common to smell a burning or burned smell. This is because your heating appliance has been sitting unused for several months. During this time, dirt, dust, and other debris have accumulated in the heating appliance and the ducts around your home. When you turn your heater on, the dirt and dust begin to burn off the unit, creating a strong burning scent. The length of time that this smell will last varies based on the amount of dirt and dust present, but you shouldn't smell it after running your unit for a few hours. 

Why Would a Burning Smell Be Present If It's Not the First Time Running the Heater?

If you have used your heater multiple times lately and you suddenly smell a burning smell, there may be problems present. Something may have fallen into the unit that is burning off, such as a piece of plastic, leaves, or a bug nest. If the smell doesn't dissipate quickly, turn your unit off. A belt may have worn out, a part may be malfunctioning, or something may have fallen into the unit that shouldn't be present. If you continue running the heater when a burning smell is present and you don't know why, you run the risk of causing substantial damage. 

How Can You Prevent the Presence of Burning Smells When Running Your Heater?

The best way to prevent the presence of burning smells when you are running your heater is to have your heating unit cleaned and inspected before winter hits. When your unit is cleaned, the dirt and dust that has built up in your system is removed, so there is very little left to burn off. When your unit is inspected, a professional looks at your belts, gears, and other elements to ensure they are in good condition, which will help prevent unexpected problems that can cause your unit not to work as designed.

Winter is almost here and heaters all across the U.S. will be turned on. Now is the perfect time to contact heating contractors to come out and clean and inspect your heating appliance. Not only can this help to prevent the presence of burning smells, but it also helps to extend the life of your heater and helps it to run as efficiently as possible. You can visit sites like https://www.erickson-plumbingqc.com/ for more information.