Hey, I was just wondering if I should be worried. The heat hasn't been on in ages, I live in Florida so normally I don't need it. But today the inside of the house got to 70, which has left me with a hoodie on and cold fingers and toes. I decided to put the heat on a little, just to take the edge off, but when I did it smelled like something was burning and even one of the smoke detectors started beeping! Is this because it's been off for a long time? Or should I be worried? I don't smell it now, but maybe I'm used to it? My mom isn't home and it's her place so I'm kind of panicking, haha.
This is a VERY common concern as it is a VERY common thing. Most gas furnaces and many forms of electric heating sources have components that get hot enough to ignite dust particles that have settled on them while not in use. During the colder months, these surfaces heat up frequently enough that appreciable amounts of dust can't build up enough to be noticeable. However, when you are heating for the first time since last spring, there is a large buildup to burn off. In almost no circumstance is there enough combustible material enough to be of any concern beyond that it is stinky and annoying. Carbon monoxide should not be any concern. If it makes you feel more comfortable, open a few windows for a short time to help reduce the smell. Once your heating system has some hours on it the smell will disappear. Until next fall that is...
dear god not 70 deg. in the house! lol! Florida! well anyway I agree with the guy above me
Live in charleston,sc and it got down to 40 last ight so I turned on my heat before bed...... Woke up this morning to fire alams going off and the house smelled like something was burning. Been reading other posts saying dust build up but I'm thinking something bigger seeing that my unit was running all night. Heat pump? Any ideas?
You burned the dust off the elements. If it doesn't come back, you've got no worries. If the smell comes back, well. . . .?
What you smell is the buildup of dust and other particles burning off the heat exchanger. During periods of non-use, these particles will collect and is normal. The smell should dissipate quickly after the furnace has been operating for a while. If you continue to experience this issue after it completes one or two cycles you should contact a qualified repairman for service. Note: It is always a good idea to have both your cooling and heating systems scheduled for a check-up each season before use to insure they are working properly and efficiently. If you have this done before each season the company typically will charge much less for the service. Some companies won't even accept calls for routine check-ups once you’re in the peak of a season due to their increased workloads. And if they do, they typically will charge more for the service call. It is a good idea to use the same company if you have had new equipment installed or paid for a warranty. All heating and cooling companies are not created equal, make sure to always use certified technicians and CHECK out their credentials thoroughly if you are using a new company for the first time.
