When talking about Canada’s cold weather, turning on a heating system is a must. Heating systems can make your environment comfortable and provide you with a cozy place to enjoy your winter.However, sometimes the smell coming out of your heating system can be quite problematic whenever you turn it on. Especially if it is a burning smell, it can create a panic in the room, thus making you turn off your heating system at once.Most people associate winter with a pine wood smell and soups, but all this is ruined if your heating system starts producing weird smells out of nowhere. It is a matter of concern for many homeowners.So, why does your heating system smell, and how can you fix it? This blog post mentions some common reasons why you might smell something from your heating system and what you can do about it.
Blocked Air Filters
Heating systems have air filters, just like an AC or a cooling system. With time, dust can block these filters. Clogged air filters might cause a burning smell when the heat passes through them.Clogged air filters can also affect your heating system’s efficiency and put a strain on its compressor. Therefore, it is necessary to
change your heating system’s filter periodically or clean them to avoid any accumulation of dust or other particles.If changing or cleaning your heating system filter doesn’t solve the smell problem, it is time to call a professional HVAC contractor to solve the issue before it gets worse.
Damaged Electrical Wiring
This is a more serious issue that can cause a burning smell to come out of your heating system. The burning smell can also be a sign of an overheated blower motor.General wear and tear over time, and incorrect heating system installation can damage the wires and affect their operation. The damage to the wiring can also cause damages to the blower motor, leading to overheating or a variety of other problems.All these problems are pretty serious and must be addressed only by a
professional heating company. Call a professional and ask them to check the wirings if you feel like your HVAC system is producing a burning smell.
Placing Something Nearby
Placing something near the heating system can also cause a burning smell. Whether it is crockery, fabric, or anything else, placing something near the heating system can be dangerous and might cause a burning smell.Therefore, if you smell something burning, check to ensure nothing is placed near the heating system. Such items can be quite flammable and may catch fire if left unnoticed.
Know The Type Of Smell
Heating systems can also produce other types of smells other than a burning smell caused by overheating. There can be other types of smells too that might make the environment uncomfortable.Some of the common types of smells that can come out of a heating system are:
Burning Dust Smell
This one is common and is caused when your heating systems filters are clogged. It means that dust has settled in the heat exchanger, and air is passing through the dust trapped in the filter. So, when the hot air passes, the dust burns off, the resultant air smells like burning dust. Therefore, you must clean your filters to avoid such situations.
Plastic Burning Smell
A plastic burning smell is also common and might need professional observation. This usually happens when a plastic object has made its way to the heating system and is burning inside it. It might also be caused by melting wiring insulation inside the furnace. If you smell such a smell, call an expert immediately to avoid further damage.
About Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning
Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning is your perfect partner for heating system maintenance. We are heating and cooling contractors and offer furnace repairs, install high-efficiency new heaters, and provide yearly tune-ups for maximum lifespan and fuel-efficient performance of various heating systems. We also work with
boilers and hydronic heat systems.
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