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What's That Burning Smell? [Dangerous Odors That Require Heating Repair]

We’ve all been there: we turn on our heater to fight off a chilly front and get slapped in the face with a stinky odor! Why do heaters smell when they are turned on? Will the smell go away? What’s a dangerous smell and what’s harmless?

Ball Heating & Air Conditioning has answered all of these questions and more. Your home should be comfortable, and that includes temperature and scent. If you notice that your furnace smells, let our team get to the bottom of it. We’ll have your home smelling and feeling better in no time!

Burning Smells From Your Heater

One of the most commonly reported heater odors in Ball is a burning smell. There are two different causes of this scent, so it’s important to pay close attention to which one your heater is emitting.

After First Use Of The Season

When we don’t use our heaters for most of the year, they begin to collect dust and other particulates within the heating elements. The first use of the season makes this dust burn off producing a telltale burning smell. The good news is that this odor should fade away quickly. If it doesn’t, call on professionals right away.

Mid-Use Burning Smells

If your air starts to smell like burnt plastic or melting rubber while in use, then you’re probably smelling just that: melting rubber or plastic. It’s best to shut down your system until it can be assessed by a professional. There are many moving parts inside your HVAC system that can come loose or wear out and cause a fiery smell. A quick heater repair is sure to do the trick!

Heater Smells Musty

Another striking odor is the sour or musty scent of mold. If mold takes hold inside your heating system, it has access to all your air ducts and filters. Since mold thrives in moist areas, it can grow very fast inside your HVAC system. This is why the presence or suspected presence of mold is important to address right away. Even a single spore left behind can regrow the entire colony! Make sure an expert helps you solve this problem.

Skunky Smells

One of the most dangerous odors to smell in your home is a skunk smell — specifically if you have gas-powered appliances. While natural gas normally has no odor, manufacturers insert a chemical into the gas that makes it smell like a pungent skunk smell. If an overpowering skunk smell enters your home, you may have a gas leak. Make sure to shut down your appliances and call for help. You don’t want to endanger your home or family.

Rotten Odors

It’s pretty common that critters use your home and air ducts as passageways. However, this makes insects or rodents that have died inside your HVAC system that much more likely. A rotten smell from your vents can indicate that a carcass is rotting. If you can locate and remove the body, the smell should fade. Otherwise, you’ll need the help of a professional to access the air ducts and remove the smell.

Reliable Heater Repair

No matter how small you think your problem is, we promise it matters to us. We care about your comfort and health, so we show up and help fix your heater odor as quickly as we can. If you’re experiencing any burning smells from your heater or are in need of heater repairs, count on us at Ball Heating & Air Conditioning!

Why Choose Ball Heating & Air?

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30% Utility Saving Guarantee
You will save a minimum of 30% on your heating and cooling costs or we will refund double-the-difference of your savings not realized during the first year.
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$500 INSTALLATION DATE GUARANTEE
If we do not have your new system operating by the date promised, we will pay you $500 for your inconvenience.
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Peace of Mind Guarantee
All technicians in your home have an extensive background check performed and are randomly drug tested for your safety.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Professional and Courteous

Zach was very professional and Courteous. He fully explained all the checks he would be preforming before he started. He also advised me of any potential problems with my system and offered options for their resolution. He reviewed the invoice thoroughly with me when he was finished

Sam O.

Very Nice and Helpful

Zack came out today for our 6 month cleaning/inspection and was very nice and helpful. He gave a detailed explanation of everything he found and things we can upgrade for better service. We will be continuing to use Ball Heating & Air in the future!

Kaleigh E.

Incredibly Knowledgeable

Zack was incredibly knowledgeable and gave me information that explained a lot of what I was seeing occur in my house. Highly recommend, as the visit was informative and productive.

Shana B.