Why Does My Heater Smell Burnt in the Fall? 6 Possible Reasons
A moment of nostalgia or a serious problem
Highlights
A burning smell coming from the heater might just be dust burning off.
Other things, like debris or toys caught in the vents, can cause burning smells.
An electrical smell may be a cause for concern.
Regular maintenance can help reduce burning smells from the furnace.
For some, the signature smell that comes from the furnace when it first turns on in the fall brings back memories of cool mornings and crisp leaves. For others, it may be cause for concern because, well, there’s a burning smell coming from your furnace. Regardless of which camp you fall into, turning your furnace on when the weather turns chilly shouldn’t induce panic or make the season any less enjoyable. So, if you’re asking yourself, “Why does my heater smell burnt?” we’re here to help with a few common reasons this could be happening—and help you decide whether you should call in an expert or settle in with a cup of cocoa.
6 Reasons Your Heat Smells Like Burning
When you turn your furnace on for the first time in the fall, it’s not uncommon for it to smell burnt for a few minutes. But don’t run out and buy a new furnace right away. Regardless of the type of furnace you have, there may be a simple explanation, but it also may indicate a bigger issue.
1. Dusty Furnace Components
Your furnace has likely sat unused for the majority of the summer. And if you had a pleasant fall, you maybe haven’t even used the air conditioner in a while. This means that dust and dirt have probably built up on the different components like the air ducts, blower, and burners. When the furnace turns on and the elements that heat the air and push it through the house burn off that settled dust, there’s a familiar smell that will waft through the house. This smell when the heat turns on will typically happen every season, and is no cause for concern. In fact, we think you should snuggle up and enjoy the unofficial start of winter.
2. A Musty Basement
To work, some furnaces pull air from around it and heat it up before sending it back through the house. Furnaces are sometimes found in basements—do you see where this is going? If the furnace is pulling air from the musty basement, then the rest of the house may start to smell a little musty, especially when the heater’s turned on for the first time when the temperatures drop. For other furnaces that pull air from outside or through return vents in the house, this won’t be as much of an issue. This smell may dissipate on its own.
3. Old Filters or Dirty Vents
If the furnace filters are old, they may have started to grow mold or mildew, which doesn’t just smell bad, it’s dangerous if breathed in and can smell burnt when the furnace turns on for the season. Changing furnace filters and cleaning vents is a good way to avoid bad smells coming from the heater. This can typically be done once a year and is a great addition to any yearly cleaning and maintenance lists.
4. Burning Rubber or Plastic
This one is geared more towards the parents. If you turn on your heater and begin to smell burning rubber or plastic, before calling your local HVAC repair service, you may want to enlist the help of the kids to check all of the vents for toys that may have fallen in and now smell like hot rubber or plastic. Even if you don’t have kids, you should check your vents for debris or obstructions that could be causing the smell.
5. An Electrical Issue
If you smell burning rubber or plastic and have checked the vents to no avail, this may be a sign of an electrical issue. This problem may also smell like burning electrical parts and could mean a bigger, more serious issue. If the furnace motor is overheating or the heat exchanger is cracked, it’s a job for the professionals.
6. Oil or Smoke
If the burning smell smells more like burning oil or smoke, that could be an indicator of a blocked chimney or exhaust vent. If this pathway is blocked, it could lead to a flue fire. For oil or smoke smells, calling in a professional to take a look is the safest way to go. Yearly chimney cleanings can also help you avoid this issue.
What Should You Do If Your Heater Smells Like Burning?
When you turn your heater on for the first time in the fall and there’s a burning smell, the first step is to identify the type of smell. If it smells like burning dust or if you’ve smelled that smell every year, you’re likely in the clear and can settle into a cozy day. If it smells like burning rubber, take a quick look at all the vents to make sure the hot air isn’t heating up a toy or other object. If there is an electrical smell or the burning rubber smell persists, you should call a furnace professional immediately to have them check it out. Being proactive if you think there’s a problem can potentially save you time, money, and hassle down the road if there’s a problem that wasn’t addressed.
Tips for Avoiding a Heater That Smells Like Burning When First Turned On
While a burning smell when the heater first comes on may not be entirely avoidable, there are a few things you can do to make sure it’s normal and you don’t need any major furnace repairs.
Hang out at home when you turn the furnace on for the first time, so you can tell right away if something’s wrong.
Clear any vents of toys and debris before turning the furnace on.
Change the filters and have the chimney cleaned yearly.
Have your furnace inspected at least once a year.
Bleed the furnace after repairs or once a year to ensure it’s functioning properly.