Why Is a Burning Smell Coming from My Air Conditioner?
It’s the middle of the afternoon and the temperatures are rising, so you crank up the air conditioning to bring a little bit of comfort to your home. Only to notice a faint burning smell coming from the AC unit.
Obviously, this is a cause for alarm. Every air conditioning unit uses an electric ignition to function, so it’s important to be wary of electrical fires if you ever notice a burning smell coming from the AC system.
Keep yourself safe and always err on the side of caution! As soon as you notice a burning odor, shut your AC system down before attempting any diagnostics.
What to do for non-electrical issues
If you’re absolutely certain the burning smell isn’t stemming from an electrical issue, there are a couple of places to start so you can find the source of the problem.
- First, take a look at the air filter. A clogged filter can create a buildup of dust, debris, and other particles, which in turn can lead to a burning smell from the AC unit.
- Air conditioner filters should be changed every three months, on average, or every month during seasons of heavy use.
- If changing the air filter of the unit doesn’t eliminate the burning smell, the problem might be the blower motor.
- A faulty motor can lead to a buildup of dust, or a lack of lubrication – both of which can lead to overheating and, as a result, a burning smell. If the issue is stemming from the air conditioner motor, you will likely need to contact a professional to repair or replace the mechanism.
Air conditioning maintenance and service
Whatever the issue might be – keeping a consistent maintenance schedule and fixing problems as soon as they arise can help prolong the life of your air conditioner unit, so you can stay comfortable in your home no matter the weather outdoors.
If a burning smell is coming from your air conditioning, don’t ignore this very clear sign that something is wrong. Turn off the unit and contact the HVAC experts at Robert B. Payne, Inc. Send us a message or call (540) 373-5876 to schedule an appointment today.