A burning smell from the AC vents in the house can cause worry, but you’re not alone. It’s a relatively common problem for homeowners, especially when the heating season rolls around. Today we’re going to break down the potential causes of the maybe familiar but still unpleasant smell, as the reasons can differ from small to large and can cause stress and worry each and every time.
Top Reasons Your HVAC Smells Like It’s Burning in NY and NJ
Burning Dust
Typically, most people experience the burning smell when the heating season rolls around. This is because dust collects on the furnace’s heating components while it’s not being used, and then when you turn the system on, the dust quite literally burns off, which leads to the burning smell from the AC. This is probably the most common reason for the issue at hand. With that being said, it’s also one of the least worrisome ones. The smell usually dissipates rather quickly, and with that, the issue is typically resolved until the next heating season. But this is a friendly reminder to have your ducts regularly cleaned and inspected, as it will lead to smoother operation of the system as a whole.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter can cause a slew of problems within the HVAC system, and a burning smell is one of them. When the filter is dirty, the system, and the blower motor in particular, have to work harder to push air through. This can lead to the blower motor overheating and letting off a burning smell. Hence, don’t forget to swap the filters out every 3 months, or more frequently if needed.
Worn Out Bearings
Just like any system with moving parts, the HVAC is no exception, parts can wear out. When the motor bearings start to go, they tend to start squealing—kind of how you know when to change the brakes on your car because they start squealing, the same concept applies here. Worn-out bearings put extra strain on the system and can also lead to the overheating of motors. This is also a reason why there can be a burning smell from the AC vents. It’s important to keep an eye on your system, especially as it ages, since older systems typically have to work harder and can often overheat.
An Old Fan Belt
When it comes to older unit models especially, they tend to have a belt driven blower, which ultimately uses rubber bands to spin the blades. As time goes on, the rubber can wear out and weaken, and this can lead to a burning smell from the AC, specifically a rubber scent.
A Damaged Capacitor
A capacitor ultimately stores electricity and gives the initial jolt of energy to the system to get the motor running properly. If the capacitor starts going bad, whether from natural aging, or external forces like power outages, this can lead to a burning scent.
Electrical Issues
This is probably the most serious issue, and we don’t recommend trying to handle it yourself. When breakers become faulty, when the connections become loose, and circuits short, the electrical wires can quite literally start to melt, oftentimes taking insulators and surrounding things with them. Electrical issues are quite serious, as they can lead to electrical fires. Here it’s best to turn off your system, and to call a professional.
Final Thoughts: Ensuring Your HVAC is Safe in NY and NJ After a Burning Smell
We hope we’ve answered, “Why is there a burning smell from the AC vents in my house?” It’s important to remember that if you experiencing a burning smell coming from your HVAC, it’s not always a reason to panic.
It’s important to figure out where exactly the smell is coming from, and to also take note of the kind of burning smell you sense. Issues can range from dust and dirty filters to electrical issues. If in doubt to what the burning smell is, it’s always best to simply call a professional. Yes the reason may be as simple as dust burning off of the heating components, but it’s worth it for peace of mind to have the system looked at and to know that it’s not electrical issues hanging on by the brink.
So call us today at 888-334-1612, we’ll be happy to inspect and provide you with peace of mind and next steps.
