That burning smell that you experience when turning your heater on for the first time in months can be pretty alarming. It’s usually not a big deal, however. In fact, it even has a name – “dirty socks syndrome.” The smell should never last for more than a couple of hours unless there is an issue with your AC or heating system. Here are a few reasons why you encounter a burning odor when turning on your furnace.
Burning Dust
The most common reason you are encountering this smell is because the dust that has built up during the warm seasons is burning due to the heat. This smell should go away within an hour or two. If it persists after longer than that, check your air filter.
An Electrical Issue
If you experience an electrical burning smell, there could be an issue with the wiring that will require professional help. This electrical smell is certainly not normal and if it goes untreated, could lead to an electrical fire. If the electrical burning odor persists, call an HVAC professional. You’ll need someone to come look at the electrical wiring of your heating unit.
An Object in Your Air Duct
Another reason you may smell a musty, burning smell after turning your heater on is that there could be an object lodged in your air duct. This will smell more like burning plastic or rubber. If this is what you’re experiencing, try to inspect your AC ducts to locate what is causing the smell. If you’re having trouble locating the cause of the smell, contact a professional immediately.
If you experience a burning smell for longer than two hours or suspect something may be wrong with your cooling and heating unit, contact Lee’s Air for easy, affordable service!
