If a burning smell is coming from your AC, you needn’t always worry. Nonetheless, its always good to err on the side of caution and stay safe rather than feeling sorry later. So, if at any time, your AC smells like burning plastic or rubber or some other burning substance, the first call of action is to shut down the unit and cut its power supply. Now that the most important step has been taken care of, the next step is to diagnose the problem.
If your AC smells like it’s burning, call the HVAC experts at Aztil Air Conditioning to help you figure out the problem and rectify it. You can reach us either by clicking on the above link or calling at +1-888-729-8452.
Probable Causes Of Why AC Smells Like Its Burning
Here is a list of the most likely reasons that may be responsible for that burning smell emanating from the air conditioner.
1. Dust Burning Off – When you live in areas that have a predominantly hot climate, there is seldom any reason to switch on the heating. However, freak weather conditions may force your hand. In case you turned on the heating after a long period of time, there might be some burning smell coming from the AC. In this scenario, you don’t really have to worry because the burning AC smell is normal. Not being in use for months, the HVAC system collects dust. When you switch it on, the system burns off the accumulated dust, thereby giving the foul AC smell that resembles a burning substance.
The Solution – What you need to do in this case is to wait for a couple of minutes, and the burning odor will go away on its own. But if even after a couple of minutes, the smell persists, call your local HVAC technician.
2. A Fire In Home – A burning smell is coming from within the AC; it does not always mean that something is burning inside it. Often it so happens that the fire may actually be elsewhere in the house, and the air circulating via the AC has picked it up. Look for signs of smoke or fire in the house.
The Solution – When you detect fire or smoke inside the house that is beyond your scope of putting off using a fire extinguisher, evacuate the house quickly and call 911.
3. Clogged Air Filter – If it’s been quite some time since you last changed your air filters, the chances are pretty high that they are completely jammed with dust and debris. When the air filters are blocked, they hinder the free flow of air. Restricted airflow puts tremendous stress on the fan, motor, and other parts, causing the AC to overheat and produce the burning smell.
The Solution – Replace your air filters at the very least once every quarter. Though during the peak of summers, they should be changed every month.
4. Motor Overheating – The fan inside the AC requires a motor to turn it. Constant use wears out the bearings of the motor, causing it to overheat and the resultant burning smell.
The Solution – The first time you encounter this problem, lubricate or grease the bearings. It will extend the life of the motor. It will also prevent the motor from going belly up ultimately. Once that happens, your only option is to replace it.
5. Belt Overheating – Some air conditioners have a belt-drive motor while others a direct-drive motor. The belt in the belt-drive motor systems is made of rubber. Heat and continuous use wear out the belt, which results in the burnt rubber AC smell.
The Solution – Since the belt is made up of rubber, it has to be replaced eventually. The fact that you smell burning rubber is an indication that the time to change it. is now.
6. Broken Capacitor – All air conditioners have a capacitor that powers the motor. The capacitor can go bad for a multitude of reasons, including a power surge to regular wear and tear. A fault in the capacitor can cause the motor to overheat and release a burning smell.
The Solution – Here, the only solution is to call an HVAC technician to replace the faulty capacitor with a new reliable one. This task you cannot handle on your own; it is best left to the professionals.
7. Electrical Problem – The burning plastic or rubber smell can also be an indication of an electrical problem within your unit. The wiring within the unit is surrounded by plastic components. When the wires burn, they can also cause damage to the plastic parts resulting in additional sulfur-like smell or rotten eggs smell. It usually happens when there are loose screws, defective breakers, or worn out wires in your system.
The Solution – This, too, is a scenario where only a trained technical HVAC expert can help you. So without wasting any time, switch off your air conditioner and call your local HVAC contractor for help.
How To Prevent Burning AC Smell?
The best way to prevent burning smells coming from the AC is by making sure that it gets periodic annual maintenance as is its due. Do not overlook the importance of maintenance as the source of most of the smells will be addressed during the course of the tune-up. Other than that, keep your AC clean and change its air filters regularly so that they are never clogged.
Contact Aztil Air Conditioning For AC Repair In West Palm Beach
It is best to leave the air conditioning troubleshooting to the experts. We are not only trained but also skilled in handling such problems. If your AC is releasing foul odors or any burning smells, immediately cut its power supply and call the elite team of trained professionals at Aztil Air Conditioning. We offer 24/7 emergency services and take all precautions to guarantee your safety.
We are looking forward to helping you make your home more comfortable. Call us any time at +1-888-729-8452 to book an appointment.
