What’s That Burning Smell?

Step 1: Turn Off The Heating System

Prior to performing any maintenance on your heating system, be sure to turn off the power to the system to ensure your safety.

Step 2: Gather Tools/Supplies & Clean Or Replace Air Filters

Tools Needed: A screwdriver, a vacuum cleaner with attachments, a soft brush, and a clean cloth.

Remember, air filters trap dust and debris, preventing them from entering the system. Over time, these filters can will become clogged, reducing efficiency and causing burning smells. Depending on your system, clean or replace the filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Or, have one of our professionals help! If dirty or clogged filters are contributing to the burning smell, our technician will replace them with clean, efficient filters that allow proper airflow and filtration.

Step 3: Check & Clean Vents and Registers & Clean Blower Components

Dust and debris can accumulate in vents and registers. Using a soft brush and vacuum cleaner attachment will remove dust from these areas. Remember, ensure that airflow is not obstructed.

The blower fan and its components can accumulate dust and debris overtime, leading to overheating and burning smells. It’s advised to gently clean the blower blades and the area around the blower using a vacuum cleaner and a soft brush. Overall, deep and thorough cleaning improves efficiency, airflow, and prevents potential overheating issues. Our professionals have the appropriate tools and cleaning agents to safely and effectively clean components of your heating system. We will also clean dust and debris from burners, heat exchangers, blower fans, and other critical parts without causing damage.

Step 4: Clean Combustion Chamber and Heat Exchanger

If you have a furnace, the heat exchanger and combustion chamber may collect dust and debris. To inspect and clean these components, hire a qualified expert because poor cleaning can put your safety at danger.

Step 5: Check and Lubricate Moving Parts

Moving parts such as motors and bearings should be properly lubricated to reduce friction. If your heating system has moving parts that need to be lubricated, a professional can apply the proper lubricant to lessen friction and noise.

Step 6: Inspect Electrical Connections

Loose or corroded electrical connections can cause overheating and burning smells. Remember, check all electrical connections, ensuring they are secure and free of damage. Keep in mind, our professionals perform comprehensive safety checks to ensure that your heating system is operating safely. We have the ability to detect any potential hazards, such as gas leaks or faulty electrical connections, that might contribute to a burning smell.

Step 7: Monitor Thermostat Calibration

Your system may need to operate longer than necessary due to a poorly calibrated thermostat. To prevent overheating, check and recalibrate the thermostat as necessary.

Step 8: Schedule Professional Maintenance With SUMMERS

By following these steps and maintaining a regular maintenance schedule, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of burning smells caused by dust and debris accumulation in their heating systems.

While many activities can be completed by homeowners, it’s advised to arrange for a yearly maintenance visit. Certified experts are able to conduct a thorough check, spot potential problems, and offer professional cleaning and servicing. In summary, hiring a professional HVAC technician for a heating system tune-up ensures that the process is carried out thoroughly, safely, and effectively. Our technicians have the expertise and equipment to address the root causes of burning smells caused by dust and debris, improving the overall performance and safety of your heating system tune-up.