Why Furnaces or Heat Pump Smell Like They’re Burning When First Turned On

The winter season is approaching. During this season, many homeowners use their heat pump or furnaces to survive and get through to spring. However, heating devices such as furnaces and heat pumps can sometimes malfunction after being stagnant throughout the previous seasons. One example of said malfunctioning is the probability that your heater will smell like it’s burning right after being switched on. Read this blog to learn more about why this happens.

Dust Piles Are Being Burned Off

Whether you own Carrier AC units or other high-quality heating brands, you can’t be free from HVAC issues like dirt accumulation. Typically, a furnace/heat pump that smells like it’s burning is caused by dust piles. For instance, dust and debris can build up inside your heating system after not being used for a while. So, when it is turned on, the dirt is burned off, which produces a plastic smell in the room. Usually, this dissipates after a few minutes.

Vents Are Not Cleaned

When heat pumps and devices are not used, homeowners must expect their vents to require cleaning before they are ready for use. Inspecting your unit’s filters and other components is recommended to avoid clogs in air vents that will be burned and will produce a burning smell when your unit is first turned on. Doing so can also help prevent more significant furnace problems that may need more expensive solutions.

Unaddressed Electrical Issues

You also need to have a HVAC professional check the wiring of your furnace or heat pump. Faulty wiring can also be the root cause of the unpleasant smell coming from the system. So, inspecting all the wiring and electrical components before using your heating devices is always recommended.

Contact Professional Heating Technicians

A burning smell isn’t something you need to be scared of if your furnaces and heat pump systems receive regular maintenance. Professional heating technicians from Bounds Heating & Air recommend an annual inspection of your heating devices, like Carrier AC units. This way, experts can generally test your unit to see if it has significant damage that needs an immediate solution.

Contact our team today in FL for heating tune-ups and replacements. We are Carrier-authorized installers, and you can always count on our convenient, fast, and accurate heating services for your residential and commercial properties.