If you’ve ever turned on your heater and noticed a strange burning smell coming from your vents, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns homeowners have when switching from cooling to heating. In fact, Homes & Gardens recently tackled this issue—and they reached out to Tommy Cool for expert insight!
Their article, “Why Does My Vent Smell Like Something Is Burning?”, dives into the possible causes of this smell and what you should do about it. And as someone who has spent years keeping Corpus Christi homes coool (and safe), I was honored to be quoted in their piece.
What Causes That Burning Smell?
A burning odor from your HVAC system can come from several sources, including:
🔥 Dust Burn-Off: When you first turn on your heater for the season, built-up dust on the heat exchanger or in the ducts burns off, creating a temporary burning smell. This is usually harmless and should go away in a few minutes.
🔥 Electrical Issues: If the smell lingers or smells more like burning plastic, you could have an overheating motor, a wiring issue, or another serious problem. Turn off your system and call a professional immediately.
🔥 Clogged Air Filter: A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing your system to overheat. Changing your filter regularly (every 1-3 months) can prevent this issue.
🔥 Debris in Ducts: Sometimes, objects (or even small critters) can get into your ductwork, leading to strange odors when the heat kicks on. A thorough duct cleaning can help eliminate this.
What Should You Do If You Smell Burning?
- If it’s just dust burn-off, let your system run for about 10-15 minutes to see if the smell goes away.
- If the smell persists, check your air filter and replace it if needed.
- If you smell burning plastic, turn off your system and call an HVAC pro—it could be an electrical issue.
- Regular maintenance can prevent most of these issues before they start.
Need a Pro to Check It Out? Call Tommy Cool Air!
At Tommy Cool Air, we specialize in keeping your HVAC system running safely and efficiently. If you’re dealing with a persistent burning smell from your vents, don’t take any chances—let us take a look.
🔧 Schedule a service today! Call us at 361-852-4450 or book online at Online Scheduler.
And remember…
Be Coool Corpus Christi, Be Coool. ❄️😎
