HVAC Heater Smells Like Burning Odor

Accumulated dust burning is the very common odor you smell when turning your heater on for the first time in a long time, and usually only shows up at the start of the colder season.  Once the heat comes on, the dust burns off and the odor passes through your air vents. The smell of burning dust should go away after a while, usually within a matter of hours, so there's no cause for alarm.

It's very difficult to describe smells with words however, if you smell something that has the pungency of burning plastic, rubber or see actual smoke, that would be a scenario that would trigger you turning off the unit and calling for HVAC service and/or 911 depending on the level of urgency you feel is needed.

This article has been shared by Direct Service, Construction and Design to specifically accommodate our intended clientele.  The intent of sharing this information is to better inform the public of these general topics, expand knowledge and safety for all and provide crucial information in regard to their MEP and building systems and/or assets. It is NOT our recommendation that any article recommendations or how-to scenarios be attempted by anyone other than a qualified or competent person.