Residential and commercial carpet and tile cleaner serving Central Florida

(352) 508-4556

Why does it smell like smoke when turning the heater on in my home?

When temperatures begin to drop, we commonly get calls from customers about a burning smell when the heat is turned on for the first time. Usually, it is nothing to worry about, but it is good to know what the possible sources of any "smoke like" odors may be.

Dust in your central heating and air system
In areas with commonly mild temperatures, heating systems can go unused for several months. After sitting idle for long stretches of warm weather, elements of your heating system may accumulate a layer of dust. When you turn on your heater for the first time during the winter months, dust burns off and emits an odor that circulates through your ductwork and out of your vents. The air ducts themselves also commonly have dirt and dust in them if your system was unused for a stretch of time. These two issues are the most likely culprits behind the burning smell in your home at the start of the season.

Heat strips
Even after you are using your system frequently, if temperatures are unusually low or if you have adjusted your thermostat more than a few degrees to raise the temperature, you may still notice this burning odor. This issue is usually the heat strips activating in your air handler to supplement your system's increase in heat. Many heat pump systems include these heat strip-air handler combinations. If you have a system with heat strips that haven't activated for many months, some dust particles have built up that will burn off when the strips activate for the first time.

Other possibilities
If the burning smell coming from your heating system continues beyond your initial use at the onset of colder weather, the culprit could be faulty heater components. Another possibility is debris or objects that have come into contact with heating elements. The most serious hazard is electrical shorts in your heat pump, which can melt wires or insulators.

How to address it
While dust burning off during the first run of your system is likely the cause of a smoky or burning odor, if you continue to notice the smell, it is best to call a professional to diagnose the problem. You will also want to have regularly scheduled preventive maintenance to keep your system running problem free. Also, annual checkups will keep your heating and cooling equipment performing in top condition, which saves you money on energy costs and repair services.

For more air duct tips and services contact the professionals at Gator Clean. 

 

Return to Blog

What Your Neighbors Say About Gator Clean

Did a great job, were on time, and quick reply from all questions asked before and during starting job

Skip Miazga
March 26, 2024

Review from Google

Review from Google

VERY professional and attentive to my needs

JM Cohen
March 22, 2024

Review from Google

Review from Google

Gator clean did a fabulous job! Quick too! Very knowledgeable! Had tips for helping keeping our ducts and filters clean, and can tell a diff already with the air flow. House cooled down quicker than before!!

Kristal Muntz
March 18, 2024

Review from Google

Review from Google

I thought my carpets where goners, no life left in them. Gator Clean proved me wrong!! The carpets might need upgrading still but, after the cleaning, that is something I want to do in the future and not something that needs to be done now. Gator Clean bought me precious time. That is a good thing.

Ada Nicky
March 12, 2024

Review from Google

Review from Google

THOROUGH AND COURTEOUS

DIANE F
February 24, 2024

Review from Google

Review from Google

The latest from our blog.

Easy tips to keep your carpet clean this Summer.

Easy tips to keep your carpet clean this Summer.

Warmer days are finally here. The sun is shining brighter and longer, the children are home from school, and the laid-back, relaxing feeling of summer fills the air. This time of year brings warm memories of time spent outdoors, hot dogs on the grill, and lounging by the pool. It also brings an increase in allergens, humidity, and dirt to your carpets.

Finish Reading This Post

Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 52 seconds

Cost Factors in Cleaning the Air Ducts of a Florida Home.

Cost Factors in Cleaning the Air Ducts of a Florida Home.

The cost of maintaining a home can add up pretty fast. Unlike renting, homeowners are solely responsible for repairs and upkeep of the various parts of their house. Some maintenance issues are more pressing than others, leaving many problems to simmer on the back burner. This has the potential to create a more giant headache out of issues you thought weren't that big of a deal.

Finish Reading This Post

Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 23 seconds

How NOT to clean a tile floor.

How NOT to clean a tile floor.

Keeping a tile floor looking clean and new is not always easy, especially when you live in a busy household. Sometimes you may just want to take the quick and easy route, but that's may not always be the best for your tile floors. 

Finish Reading This Post

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 34 seconds

Gator Clean

Gator Clean is a residential and commercial carpet and tile cleaning company, serving Lake, Sumter, Marion and surrounding counties.

(352) 508-4556

  • mastercard
  • visa
  • discover
  • cash

Normal Business Hours:
Monday-Friday 8am to 7pm
Weekends by appointment