Heat Pump Troubleshooting; Smells Like Burning Dust when Heating System is Turned on for the First Time in Harlem, NY?

If you haven’t already starting using the heating system, you will be soon as we experience cooler fall temperatures in Greater Manhattan, New York. You may observe a burning smell, typically coming from the vents or ducts after you first start turning on the heat or using it more consistently. With the reaction of the engaging of the heat strips for the heat coils in a heat pump, this is actually very common and normal from when the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris singe off. Usually, the odor likely only lasts a day or two. We at NY NJ AC Connection, though this occurrence is common, as temperatures dwindle in New York, would like to share some more information concerning the burning smell many people will experience.

Buildup of Dust & Debris in Heating System

Most do not even give their heating system a second thought, let alone use it, when temperatures are mild throughout late spring to early fall. A lot of the heating system’s components will naturally accumulate when it sits idle during the off season. Through the duct system within your home, that smell will circulate because dust will burn off when you flip on the heating system for the first time during the fall/winter season. Though it is most likely simply the dirt and debris singeing off the various components, there are other sources that can be producing the burning smell.

Activating Heat Strips

You are likely to notice the burning smells after well into the winter months after the system has been used, should the temperatures be especially low or if you have had your thermostat recently adjusted more than a few degrees to raise the temperature of the rooms. The heat strips activate to supplement your system’s effort to boost the heat in the air handler. The heat strip-air handler combination will ultimately burn off the layer of debris after the heat reaches specific temperatures.

Troubleshooting Other Heat Pump Problems

If you should notice it after extended use of your heating system, there are other sources that can produce the burning smell and that may be a faulty component in your heating system. From the heating system can be an alternate problem, the debris or objects making contact with the parts of your system. Where the wires and insulators are potentially melting, a more severe issue with the heating system causing the burning smell is electrical shorts in the heat pump finally. It can still happen, and homeowners should be cautious though this instance is rare.

Heat Pump, Furnace & Boiler Heating Inspection, Tune Up, Repair, Replacement & More in Manhattan, New York

It is in your better interest invest in a tune-up service for your heating system today to avoid the burning smell. To ensure everything is working order, professionals will frequently wipe down all the dust and debris and check all of the electrical and moving parts during the services. It is strongly recommended you call for a professional like NY NJ AC Connection in the event the smell continues for more than 3 days. Call NY NJ AC Connection today and let our expert technicians take care of you if your Massachusetts home requires a heating system tune-up or the burning smell needs attention.

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