Do you notice a burning smell when you turn on the heater? This is what you can do about it

So, does your heater have a burning smell when you first turn it on?

You may not know this, but it’s actually quite common to notice a musty or slightly dusty burning smell when you turn on your heater for the first time in a couple of months. Although the smell may not necessarily be a fire hazard, it can be quite unpleasant and irritating to people with allergies or asthma.
Even if a burning smell from your furnace vent or heating panel doesn’t seem like a cause for concern, it’s imperative that you find the source of the smell. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at three different types of burning smells, what could be causing them, and some steps you can take to resolve the issue.

1. Musty smell

If you notice a musty smell coming from your heater, it could be a sign that mold is building up inside your ductwork or heating unit. In some cases, the buildup sticks to the dust which eventually burns off as well.
If the odor doesn’t go away on its own, the first thing to do is clean or replace the air filters. If you recently installed new air filters and the odor still persists, contact an HVAC specialist immediately.

2. Burning Dust

The most common smell that most people notice when turning on their heater after a long time is the smell of burning dust. Since your heater sits off during the summer, it ends up collecting a lot of dust and debris inside the burners, heat exchangers, and other components.
When these particles burn, they tend to release a smoky odor that often disappears within a few hours. However, if the odor does not dissipate and eventually intensifies, you should turn off the system completely and contact a heating and cooling professional.

3. Electrical burning

An electrical burning smell can be a sign of a serious underlying electrical problem. If your system is damaged, the fan motor can easily overheat and give off a burning smell. Faulty electrical wiring can also be a potential cause.
If you find that the smell is coming from a cracked heat exchanger, it can be quite dangerous. Remember to turn off your unit and seek help immediately.

How to avoid that burning smell

To avoid unpleasant odour, make sure you have cleaned the air ducts and filters before turning on the oven after a long period of time. Remember to have the ductwork and unit inspected regularly to maintain indoor air quality and prevent dust and debris from accumulating in the ductwork.
Here are some oven safety tips to keep in mind:
• Avoid storing combustible items near the oven.
• Change your air filters regularly.
• Have your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested before turning on the heater.
• Always keep the area around your heating unit clear.

A burning smell from the heater is usually not a cause for concern. If you need help identifying the source, turn to the experts and let them help you minimize your risk.