Those living in Hampshire and Hamden County, Massachusetts have been experiencing cooler fall temperatures but you may not have already starting using your heating system. After 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. Generally, the odor likely only lasts 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.
Why Does My Furnace Smell like Burning Dust?
When temperatures are fall throughout late spring to early fall, most do not even give their heating system a thought, let alone use it. When it sits idle during the off season, a lot of the heating system’s components will naturally accumulate. Because dust will burn off when you flip on the heating system for the first time during the fall/winter season as the smell will circulates through the duct system within your home. There are other sources that can be producing the burning smell though it is most likely simply the dirt and debris singing off the various components.
Heat Strips Come On
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. The heat strips activate to supplement your system’s effort to boost the heat in the air handler. Once the heat reaches specific temperatures, the heat strip-air handler combination will ultimately burn off the layer of debris.
Electrical Short in Heat Pump
There are other sources that can produce the burning smell and that may be a faulty component in your heating system if you should notice it after extended use of your heating system. The debris or objects making contact with the parts of your system stemming from heating system can be an alternate problem. A more severe issue with the heating system causing the burning smell is electrical shorts in the heat pump finally where the wires and insulators are potentially melting. Though this instance is rare, it can still happen, and homeowners should be cautious.
Furnace & Boiler Heating Tune Up Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement, Emergency Repairs & More in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson, Chicopee & Agawam, Massachusetts
To avoid the burning smell, it is in your better interest 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. In the event the smell continues for more than three days, it is strongly recommended you call for a professional. If your Massachusetts home requires a heating system tune-up or the burning smell needs attention, call Ambient Heating and Air Conditioning today and let our expert technicians take care of you.
