If your heater smells burning, it doesn't necessarily mean you must be worried. The heater might have a burning smell simply because it is too dusty. However, there are several warning signs to look for that something is very wrong with your heater.

The Burning Smell Might Not Be a Problem

If you haven't turned on your heater in a long time, turning it on can cause a temporary burning smell. This is due to the dust found in your ductwork heating up. This smell should be temporary; you may have a defective furnace if the odor persists.

Know When to Evacuate Your Home

One odor you'll always want to take seriously is that of rotting eggs or sulfur, which is the smell of a gas leak and can put your family in danger. Evacuate your family and contact the gas utility company so they can shut off the natural gas immediately.

When to Call a Repair Technician

If you smell burning rubber or plastic, this could be a sign that there is an electrical problem with your furnace. Your motor might also have overheated. Ensure your motor is checked to ensure it doesn't fail.

If the burning smell is persistent, this is more of a sign of something wrong with your furnace, and you may need to hire a heating repair technician to solve the problem. They may need to remove the accumulated dirt and debris on your system. There might be an object trapped inside your furnace or vents that needs to be removed. However, if they identify any issues, they can repair your heating unit, so it does not break down.

What to Do About a Cracked heat Exchanger

You might have a cracked heat exchanger if your heating unit has damaged electrical wiring. The heat exchanger is the most significant part of the furnace. When broken, it can allow carbon monoxide to enter your home. Your furnace produces flue gas, a byproduct of the combustion process. 

The heat exchanger plays a vital role in your heating unit by transferring heat generated by the gas combustion to the air so that your heating unit can warm up your home. However, not all flue gases will reach the exhaust vent when cracked.

You may need to replace the heat exchanger if you have a newer furnace. However, if you have an old furnace, the heating repair technician will recommend that you have the entire furnace replaced.

To have your unit inspected, contact an HVAC service in your area such as Nova Air Conditioning & Heating.