Why Does Your Air Conditioner Smell Like Burning Plastic
Is there an unpleasant, burning odor coming from your air conditioner when you turn the heat on? This problem is much more common than you may think. While, in some cases, it could be a significant problem, chances are that this is something that can be easily repaired by yourself or a qualified HVAC technician.
Three of the most likely reasons that this burning smell is coming from the unit include:
- The heater is burning off the dust that has collected inside the unit.
- One of the components in the air conditioner is overheating.
- There is a fire somewhere, and the air conditioner is recirculating the smoke.
Smoke Recirculating
If you suspect a fire, evacuate and call the fire department as soon as possible!
Turning The Heat On After A Long Break
Most people will rarely use the heating feature on their air conditioner due to the warmer climate in Southwest Florida. However, if there is a cold snap and you do turn on the heat, chances are that it is the first time it has been turned on in quite a while.
In the interim, the dust has collected inside the unit, and these tiny particles are being burnt up by the air conditioning unit. The smell of burning should dissipate within a few minutes after turning the unit on.
If the odor continues for an extended period or gets worse, it could be a more severe problem. Turn the unit off immediately and call an HVAC technician.
Electrical or Other Malfunction
If you notice a burning smell and you haven’t turned on the heat, and your air conditioner is running in cooling mode, shut it off immediately. If something is wrong with the electrics or other components in the unit, allowing it to continue running will only make it worse and could result in catastrophic failure. Instead, call an AC specialist to identify and resolve the problem as soon as possible.
Some of the reasons you may be smelling burning from the air conditioner when it is cooling, and not heating include:
- The motor that turns the fan to circulate air through the unit is malfunctioning.
- The bearings on the motor are worn and causing the motor to overheat.
- The capacitor is an essential part of the motor and can result in a burning smell when it fails.
- There could be an electrical problem such as loose or worn wiring.
If none of the above reasons sound right and the burning smell continues, whether your air conditioner is running hot or cold, turn the unit off and open all windows and door to air out your home and prevent setting off the fire alarm. Call an HVAC specialist to check the group and make any necessary repairs before turning the air conditioner back on.
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