In Arizona, we are one of the lucky few states in America that does not rely on heaters.
While this is great for us, it’s not the best thing for our home’s heating system. It’s necessary to have your home’s heater inspected yearly at the beginning of the season before the cold weather hits.
As winter approaches, a lot of us will be turning on our heaters for the first time since the beginning of March. You might notice some burning smells coming out of your air ducts, and you may be wondering what that smell is.
You might even think there is a problem with your heater or that a fire is imminent.
Thankfully, that’s not usually the case.
These are tips on what common smells coming from your heater might be, and how you can stop them from smelling.
Common Causes for Odors Coming from Your Heater
The most common odor you might smell is burning dust. (Especially if you are turning on your heater for the first time this winter season.) Dust has collected in the heating ducts all summer long. Once you switch the heater on, the warm air will cause it to burn. Save your home from the lingering smell, and open your windows when you run your heater for the first time.
Clogged or dirty air filters are another common cause for odors in your home. These can also cause problems for you all year round. Dirty filters can cause your heater to become overworked and overheated. And result in a burning smell inside of your home.
Prevent airflow problems and replace your furnace filters before turning it on for the first time this season.
Odors coming from your heater could also be a warning sign of something more serious. Those odors might be a clue pointing to a damaged or worn out HVAC system.
Problems with your furnace could be something as simple as the system is low on oil. Or it can be as serious as a cracked heating element, which can also release dangerous gases into your home.
Here are some of the major reasons to ensure your furnace is inspected each year:
Carbon monoxide gas
Cracked heat exchangers causing flame
Bad gas valve
Gas valves stuck open
Bad flame sensors fail to prevent gas build-up and explosion.
These are some of the critical reasons to inspect your furnace each year.
Have Your Furnace Inspected Yearly
The lesson to take away here is that furnaces and HVAC systems need to be inspected on a regular, scheduled basis. The best times for unit inspections are when you are switching from heat to A/C, and again when you change from A/C to heat. Scheduled maintenance not only extends the life of your HVAC unit, but it will also save you money in the long run.
Contact the pros at Forrest Anderson to schedule your biannual HVAC inspection. Ask us about our Loyalty Maintenance Plan ™, which includes two inspections and 15% off repairs.
We’ll make sure your heater is ready for those cool Arizona nights!
Contact Forrest Anderson Today!
