Heater Smells When Turned On in Winter

Keeping an eye on your heater for any signs of trouble is a good way to ensure safe and reliable home heating. One of the most common issues homeowners notice is that their heater smells when turned on. Winter can bring many heating issues to light. Here are some common causes of odors and what they mean for your system.

A Burning Smell at the Start of Winter

It’s very common for a heater to give off an unpleasant burning smell at the start of winter. After sitting for months without being used, dust has been able to accumulate on the heat exchanger, in ducts, and elsewhere.

Once your heater gets up to temperature, it burns off dust particles. This can create a strong odor, but it isn’t a cause for concern. It should go away after a few hours. However, any sign of smoke alongside the odor points to a serious problem.

Ongoing Burning Smells

A persistent burning smell means you could be dealing with more serious issues. A cracked heat exchanger or damaged flue pipe can let combustion gases into your home. This poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, so reach out for repairs right away.

Electrical Burning Smells

Electrical components can also produce burning smells. If your furnace is overheating or has damaged parts, the protective coating around wires can melt and burn. This poses a potential fire risk, so don’t ignore it.

Musty Smells From Your Ducts

You might also notice a musty smell coming from your ducts when you turn on your heater. This points to mold or mildew accumulating somewhere in your ductwork. Changing your air filter can help, but you could need professional duct cleaning or repairs to prevent mold from spreading.

What to Do if Your Heater Smells When Turned on: Winter Help From Martin Heating & Air

If you’ve noticed that your heater smells when turned on, winter heating repairs may be necessary. The team at Martin Heating & Air can troubleshoot any type of system to get to the bottom of the issue. From there, our repairs deliver reliability, performance, and safety. Schedule service today to get started.