Having a heater that smells can be a rather unpleasant surprise. Since we don’t use the heater as much around here, these odors might range from mildly annoying to outright alarming.
While your first instinct might be to worry, knowing the common causes can provide some serious peace of mind until help arrives. Here’s why your heater might be emitting that unappealing scent:
- Dust Burn-Off: This is one of the most common culprits. When heaters are turned on for the first time in a while, any accumulated dust can burn off, leading to a temporary, burnt odor.
- Mold and Mildew: If there’s moisture in your system, it can lead to mold or mildew, resulting in a musty smell when the heater is running.
- Electrical Issues: A less common but more serious cause. A burning plastic or metallic smell might indicate issues with the wiring.
- Animal Intrusions: Sometimes, small critters find their way into your heating ducts, leading to decomposition smells if they don’t make it back out.
- Gas Leaks: If you have a gas heater, any smell of gas can be dangerous and requires immediate attention.
“If your heater starts to smell, it’s important to identify the cause to make sure it’s nothing serious. Your family is too important. Taking the time to investigate can save you all from discomfort and potential hazards.” – Fatjon
DIY Fixes for Strange Heater Smells
Depending on the issue you may be able to fix the smelly HVAC problem. Of course, if you run into any issues, you know who to call.
Smell: Burning Dust
If your heater emits a burning dust smell, it’s often due to dust accumulation on the heating elements or in the ducts, especially after a long period of inactivity. (Snowbirds this typically applies to your second home here in Tampa Bay.)
To fix this, turn off the heater and allow it to cool. Then, replace the air filters and vacuum any accessible areas of the heater to remove dust. From there, running the heater on a low setting for a short period can also help burn off any remaining dust safely.
Smell: Must or Mold
A musty or moldy smell from your heater can indicate mold or mildew growth, often due to moisture buildup in the system.
To address this, check for any leaks or water accumulation around the heater and clean them. Replace the air filters and consider using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in the area. Additionally, running the heater with the windows open for a short time can help ventilate and clear the odor.
You are going to want to skip the DIY attempt and call in an HVAC expert if there’s a rotten egg smell or fishy, metallic smells. These could be a sign of a natural gas leak or electrical wiring issue, which are both extremely dangerous. In this case, do not attempt any DIY solutions. Immediately turn off the heater and contact your gas company or emergency HVAC or electrical services for assistance.
“When it comes to fixing strange heater smells, the key is regular maintenance and inspection. This not only helps in identifying the source of the odor but also ensures the system runs efficiently. A clean heater is a happy heater!” – Herion
We hope this helps clear up the weird smells from your heater. We’re here for the comfort of your home all season. If you’re still struggling to track down that strange smell or would rather skip the hassle of DIY, you can call in our pros. At ACHV Services, our skilled, local technicians are ready to diagnose and resolve any heating issues quickly.
Peculiar smells? Reach out to ACHV Services today and breathe easy with expert care just a call/text away!
