Video – Why Does My Heat Pump Smell Like It’s Burning?

When you return from a nice day at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma and notice a burning smell from your heat pump, what should you do? Should you call the fire department first or your local HVAC technician? No matter the reason, a burning smell from your heat pump should never be ignored. If this happens to you, contact Kliemann Brothers Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical, and one of our highly trained technicians will diagnose the cause of the smell for you.

Why Does My Heat Pump Smell Like It’s Burning?

Not only are strange smells from the heat pump unpleasant, but they may also be cause for concern and could be signs of heat pump failure. If your heater smells like it’s burning, it’s important to understand the most common causes and why this occurs.

Dirty Heater Coils

One of the most common causes of a burning odor from the heat pump is when you turn it on for the first time after a long period of inactivity. In most cases, the burning smell will fade away as the dirt and dust burn off.

Clogged or Dirty Air Filter

When your air filter is dirty or clogged, it forces the heat pump motor to work harder. This may lead to overheating, which creates that unmistakable burning smell. Replace your air filter to see if this alleviates the issue.

Blower Motor Issues

If you have a dirty air filter or blocked vents, it will cause the blower motor to overheat, leading to a burning smell coming from your heat pump.

Blocked Air Ducts

Foreign objects or even pests may get inside your ductwork and cause a major blockage. Excess dirt and dust are another cause of air duct blockages. Whatever the cause, a blocked or very dirty air duct will emit a burning odor whenever the heat pump is running until the blockage is removed.

Problem with the Bearings

The bearings inside your heat pump eventually wear out over time. Once they’re worn out or become loose due to wear and tear, it puts excess strain on the system that could lead to overheating. As a result, you’ll eventually notice a strong burning smell.

Why a Burning Smell Is a Red Flag

So, is a burning smell from your heater dangerous? Whether it’s a health and safety issue or a serious problem that could cost you thousands, here’s why a strong burning smell from your heat pump is a red flag.

• Risk of electrical fire: An electrical burning smell from your HVAC is the most dangerous heat pump odor, and it’s a red flag that you could face a serious risk of a devastating electrical fire.

• Costly motor failure: A burning smell could indicate that your heat pump motor is failing, and that means you should call us for emergency heater repair services as soon as possible to avoid even more costly repairs later.

• Health risks: Not all burning smells are dangerous to your health, but some could mean that plastic components are burning, which may release toxins and trigger various respiratory-related health issues.

It’s important to note that an electric heat pump cannot cause carbon monoxide leaks because, unlike gas furnaces, heat pumps don’t use combustion or burn fuel like propane or natural gas to cool and heat your home.

Other Strange Heater Smells and What They Mean

Heat pumps may also emit other strange odors besides a burning smell. Consider these heater smell troubleshooting tips to help you determine the cause of the odor and what it could mean.

Burning Plastic 

If your heat pump smells like burning plastic or rubber, it could indicate an issue with the wiring or electrical connections. It might also indicate that certain components are starting to overheat. If you notice this smell, turn your system off and call Kliemann Bros. for professional heat pump repair near you.

Musty or Mildew Odors

Unpleasant, musty smells coming from your heat pump aren’t normal. This awful odor is a red flag that bacteria, mold, or mildew are building up in your system. Too much moisture or condensation somewhere in the unit could be the cause, so you should consult with an HVAC professional for help.

Rotten Egg Smell

The odor of rotten eggs is associated with sulfur and decay. This horrible smell could be due to a dead animal somewhere in your system that needs to be removed.

How to Prevent Heater Odors with Routine Maintenance

Follow these helpful maintenance and HVAC safety inspection tips to keep unpleasant heat pump odors and other issues at bay.

• Change filters regularly: Replace your heat pump air filter as recommended by the manufacturer or more often if you notice that it’s dirty or clogged.

• Keep ductwork clean: Have your air ducts cleaned and inspected by an HVAC professional to make sure they’re in good condition and free of debris.

• Schedule regular tune-ups: Routine maintenance like tune-ups keeps important components cleaned and lubricated to prevent dirt buildup and overheating.

• Keep the area around your HVAC clean: Remove any objects blocking your heat pump, and make sure it has adequate clearance for proper airflow.

• Inspect for leaks: Look around your heat pump once a month to make sure that there are no signs of leaks or pooling water, which could create a moisture issue and a musty odor.

When to Call a Professional for Help

If you notice a burning smell or another odor coming from your heat pump, here’s when to call for HVAC repair.

• The smell persists: If you think you’ve found the cause of the odor and have fixed it, but the smell continues, call a professional HVAC company for assistance.

• Odors accompanied by noises: Strange odors accompanied by loud, unusual noises are a red flag that your heat pump needs urgent repairs.

• Strong musty odors: A very strong musty smell means there’s a potential leak somewhere in your system that requires professional attention.

• Electrical odors: Any electrical smell or the smell of burning plastic should be handled by a professional right away to prevent the risk of fire.

Contact Kliemann Bros Today!

Don’t ignore a burning smell or other strange odors coming from the heat pump in your Tacoma, WA, area home. The experts at Kliemann Brothers Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical provide routine maintenance, professional repairs, and more to keep your heat pump in optimum condition. If you need help with a burning smell and want to schedule service, contact us today!

Kliemann Brothers | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical