Is there a burning smell coming from your gas furnace vents? Here’s what to do.

What Is That Burning Smell Coming From My furnace Vents?

Ahh, the San Antonio winter. Though it doesn’t get as icy as other parts of the country, it does require us to flip the switch on our furnaces. One common concern many homeowners face when they first start up their furnace is a burning smell coming from the vents. If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone! Let’s dive into what might be causing this scent and what you can do about it.

Possible Causes of a Burning Smell:

Dust Accumulation: Over the spring and summer months, dust can accumulate on the heating components. When the heater is first turned on, this dust gets burnt off, producing a burning smell.

Foreign Objects: Sometimes small objects or even critters can find their way into your ducts. When heated, these objects can produce unpleasant odors.

Old, Dirty, Overdue Air Filters: Filters filled with dust, debris, and pet hair can sometimes cause a burnt smell when air passes through.

Motor Issues: The blower motor or its capacitor might be malfunctioning, leading to a smoky or burning smell.

Melted Components: Wires or plastic parts inside your heater can melt due to a malfunction or overheating, leading to a noticeable burning smell.

What Can The Average Homeowner Look For?

Before you call in the professionals, there are a few things you might consider checking:

Inspect Filters: Make sure your air filter is clean and replace it if needed.
Check Vents: Ensure that none of your vents are blocked or covered. This ensures efficient airflow.
Initial Start-Up: If it’s the first time you’re turning on your heater after a long while, the smell might be due to burning off accumulated dust. Usually, this should go away after a short while.
However, it’s essential to understand that identifying the root cause of this smell can be challenging. That’s where we come in!

Call Air & Plumbing Today in San Antonio!

If you’re unsure about the cause of the burning smell or if it persists, don’t take risks. Call Air & Plumbing Today at 210-519-5959. We offer a free estimate and, for a limited time, no diagnostic fee for burning smells coming from heater vents.

What Will an HVAC Professional Check?

• Ductwork: For any foreign objects or debris.
  
• Heating Elements: For any signs of malfunction or burnout.
  
• Electrical Components: To ensure all wirings are intact and not melted or burnt.
  
• Blower Motor: To check its efficiency and functioning.
  
• Overall System Health: A complete inspection to ensure all parts are working in harmony.
  

Why Choose Air & Plumbing Today?

Air & Plumbing Today was voted the best AC company in San Antonio for 2023. With our commitment to excellence and dedication to serving our community, you know you’re in good hands when you call us for service.

Remember, regular maintenance of your furnace and HVAC system can prevent many of these issues. Stay warm, stay safe, and when in doubt, always call a professional!