People living in Hampshire and Hamden County, Massachusetts have experienced cooler fall temperatures, but all too soon, the cold weather will be here in full force, and if you haven’t already starting using the heating system, you will be soon. Once you first start turning on the heat, or using it more consistently, you may observe a burning smell, typically coming from the vents or ducts. This is actually very common and normal from when the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris singe off with the reaction of the engaging the heat strip for the heat coils as the heat strip. The smell will likely only last a day or two. Though this occurrence is common, we at Ambient Heating and Air Conditioning, would like to share some more information concerning the burning smell many people will experience as temperatures dwindle in Massachusetts.

Dry Soil Build Up on HVAC System

When temperatures are fall throughout late spring to early fall, most do not even give their heating system a thought, let alone use it. As it sits idle during the off season, many of the heating system’s components will naturally accumulate. The dust will burn off when you flip on the heating system for the first time during the fall/winter season, and that smell will circulate through the duct system within your home. Keep in mind, that there are other sources that can be producing the burning smell, but it is most likely simply the dirt and debris singing off the various components.

Furnace Heat Strips Working

Should the temperatures be especially low or if you have had your thermostat recently adjusted more than a few degrees to raise the temperature of the rooms, you are likely to notice the burning smells after well into the winter months after the system has been used. In the air handler, the heat strips activate to supplement your system’s effort to boost the heat. Once the heat reaches specific temperatures, the heat strip-air handler combination will ultimately burn off the layer of debris.

Faulty Component or Electrical Short in Furnace

There are other sources that can produce the burning smell if you should notice it after extended use of your heating system; and that may be a faulty component in your heating system. The debris or objects making contact with the parts of your system stemming from the heating system can be an alternate problem. Finally, a more severe issue with the heating system causing the burning smell is electrical shorts in the heat pump where the wires and insulators are potentially melting. Though this instance is rare, it can still happen, and homeowners should be cautious.

Furnace Heating Repairs, Maintenance & More in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson Chicopee & Agawam Massachusetts

To avoid the burning smell, invest in a tune-up service for your heating system today. During the services, professionals will frequently wipe down all the dust and debris and check all of the electrical and moving parts to ensure everything is working order. If the smell continues for more than 3 days, it is strongly recommended you call for a professional. Whether your Massachusetts home requires a heating system tune-up or the burning smell needs attention, call Ambient Heating and Air Conditioning today!