My Heater Smells Like Burning Plastic! What Do I Do?

There’s a reason why heating accounts for 42% of all energy costs in the United States. Heating isn’t just a convenience. If you live in a cold environment it’s necessary for survival.

However, what happens when you fire up the heat after a long summer and you’re met with an unpleasant odor? If your heater smells like burning plastic, there’s a clear problem with your HVAC system. Are you asking yourself, Why does my heater smell burnt like plastic? 

If so, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this issue. That way, you can enjoy heating in your house without any smell problems or safety issues.

Why Does My Heater Smells Like Burning Plastic?

There are two main reasons why you might be encountering this common HVAC problem. The first is that there’s a foreign object of some kind stuck in the heater. Maybe it’s a children’s toy or a plastic utensil.

Regardless, it’s melting which is causing a gross plastic heater smell in your home. The other likely reason is a worn-out part in your furnace. Much of the electric wiring around your furnace is enclosed in a plastic case.

That means that when there’s an electric malfunction it can cause these components to melt. Keep in mind that when you fire up your heater after summer, it’s likely that your heater smells burnt.

However, this is usually just dust burning from non-operation. In this case, the smell should go away in a few hours. If it doesn’t, then simply change the air filter.

What Should You Do?

If you smell burnt plastic, the first thing you should do is turn off your heating system. That way, your plastic doesn’t become a heating fire hazard to your home. This will also prevent you from inhaling potentially toxic plastic fumes.

Next, if the problem is a foreign object, you should try to identify and remove it yourself. If you can’t find the culprit, or you don’t know how to access your heating system, then you should find a qualified HVAC company.

How to Find an Exceptional HVAC Company

A qualified HVAC repair company can help you get rid of the burning plastic smell coming from your furnace. The best way to find one in your area is with a quick Google search.

Make sure you check online reviews. That way you get a better sense of the average client’s experience. Once you find a good HVAC provider, call them and describe the issue. Check to see if they can help with the issue and whether or not they’re qualified to do so.

Ready for the Heat You Deserve? Contact J&M Smith Heating & Air Conditioning

We hope this guide helped you figure out why your heater smells like burning plastic. Here at J&M Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, we know how finicky HVAC systems can be, especially if they’re older.

Luckily, through our services and maintenance, we can do the work to make them last as long as possible. So if you’re ready to get your heat back up and running (minus the gross plastic smell), then contact us today.