In Knoxville, TN, we get to enjoy pretty mild winters. However, with this year’s unexpected flurries many Tennesseans have been letting their heaters really shine.
However, if a burning smell has started to come from your HVAC system, you may be feeling anything but comfortable. Consider the following reasons why your home heating system may be making that burned plastic or rubber smell and how you can deal with it.
- You keep objects too close to your heater
Your HVAC system can certainly heat up, which is why it’s important to keep anything that can burn a good three feet away from any type of heating equipment. If you have something flammable within close range of your heater, the burning odor you’ve been smelling could very well be that object burning or melting. - Your heating system is damaged
Sometimes your heating system will burn the dust that’s collected in the ducts. However, if your HVAC system is particularly old something could be burning inside the system besides dust. Consider adding oil to your HVAC’s motor to prevent any internal friction. If you continue to smell something burning after adding oil it may be in your best interest to contact your local heating contractors. - Your heater’s filters are clogged
One of the most important things to do during the winter is to change your HVAC system’s filters. This is because when you and your pets are inside more often, you shed more hair and dead skin which ends up in your filters. Clogged filters can cause your system to become overworked, which can contribute to the burning smell. - Your vents are blocked or closed
Another potential cause of the burning odor you smell could be that your vents are closed or have been blocked by surrounding objects. When you close your vents, the hot air produced by your HVAC system becomes trapped. And, unlike cool air during the summer, this hot air can produce a burning smell when too much of it becomes trapped.
It’s never a good sign when your HVAC system gives off an unappealing odor, but especially when it’s a burning smell. If your heating system is giving off a burning odor, consider contacting the heating contractors of Pioneer Heating and Air today.