Heating troubleshootingBurning Smell When the Heater Turns On: Normal or Not?

What the smell means

• Dusty burning smell (usually normal)Months of Arizona dust settle on heat strips and furnace burners. It burns off the first few times the heat runs. Open a window and give it some time.
• Electrical or hot-metal smellAn overheating blower motor, a failing capacitor or a loose wire. Turn the system off at the thermostat and call.
• Burning plastic or rubberMelting wire insulation, a failing motor, or something that fell into a vent or duct. Turn it off and call.
• Musty smellMoisture or a dirty coil or drain pan. Not dangerous, but worth a cleaning.
• Rotten egg or gas smellPossible gas leak. Don't touch light switches; get everyone out, then call your gas company or 911 from outside.

What you can do

• If it smells like dust, let the heat run 15 to 30 minutes with a window open
• Replace a dirty filter, since a clogged filter can make parts run hot
• Check floor vents for toys, décor or debris
• Keep storage away from the furnace or air handler
• If the smell is electrical, plastic or smoky, turn the system off and call 833-692-9776

We'll find the source

When you call My AZ Pro, we test the blower motor, capacitor, wiring, heat strips or burners and check for anything overheating. You get your exact price in writing before any work begins, and there is never an extra charge for nights, after-hours or weekends. More about our heating repair service.

Related prices

Typical ranges for guidance only; your exact price is given in writing before any work begins. See our full price guide.