If your space heater is emitting a burning smell, it could be due to a number of reasons. Why Does My Space Heater Smell - HVAC Buster These professionals can also check the other components, such as air filters, range hoods, vents, condensate lines, exhaust fans and drain pans. If you smell any of the odors described below, immediately shut off your heater and call an HVAC professional. Are you also committing this mistake after repeated instructions on safety tips? He created Hvacbuster to share his knowledge and decade of experiences with people who dont have any prior knowledge about these devices. I have my Dayton open front space heater working with a new gas control valve. So if you find your heater melting, there is a problem with the space heater itself. it's just a lamp behind a protective grate, no battery design. When you contact a heating and cooling specialist, some of the signs that they will look for to determine whether a cracked heat exchanger is causing the electrical burning smell in your home include: There are many reasons to contact a specialist if youre experiencing a burning smell. Whatever parts have the coating on them that needs to burn off, will burn off and the smell should go away. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? So why does your ceramic space heater smell? Ill talk about the safest and most effective way to clean dust from your ceramic space heater later in this article. Some of the more typical causes of a smelly heater, such as dust on the furnace, are often easy to avoid through routine maintenance of your system. Why Your Heater Smells Like It's Burning - Trane These small units may emit a bad smell after being out of use over the warmer months. Gas heaters require ventilation so that carbon monoxide cannot build up. In your infrared heater, does air move past its heating elements a all, or move through the unit? Teflon is used on the heating elements of ceramic heaters to stop dust from accumulating on them. And they're all not new, so they've had enough time to work through whatever extra factory residue was on them originally. Also, it would be a good idea to use some anti bacterial wipes on the outside of the heater when it is cool and not plugged in. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Dennis Reed If your space heater does not turn off when it gets too hot or tips over, then you should be in the market for a new one. In some cases, the smell may take several uses to completely disappear. If this is the case, youll need to have the motor serviced. However, if a heater is brand new, or is being used for the first time in a while, it is completely normal to experience a slight burning smell, as the dust on the heating elements is burned. Your health and safety are not worth the cost of a space heater. These small heating units can also be used in garages, basements or outbuildings when you must work in these areas during cold weather. These heaters can release a dusty smell for a time if the heating element has a layer of dust accumulated on it during its time in storage. Here's What to Do by Advanced Lifestyle, Places When a heater smells like it's burning, this can cause great concern for many homeowners. Besides, cleaning air filters every couple of months also enhances the performance of your heating unit. Extension cords are one of the most common causes of an unexpected burning smell in your space heater. If the wiring is damaged, it can cause a burning smell. How Do You Get the Most Heat Out of a Candle? Cleaning the housing of the space heater is important, as it will make sure no dust burns, or gets blown around the room. If your space heater smells like it's burning, there are a few possible reasons. Overheating shut off is a standard feature on space heaters. I have had similar experiences with anything that gets really hot. Worth It? If your space heater smells like burning plastic, its probably because it is. When oil burns on the heater it can let off gases that are dangerous to inhale. Conclusion: There are three common burning smells your heater can emit. Foreign objects can make the inner components dirty, leading to quicker burnout for your heater. Every month, be sure to dust your space heater, to make sure nothing burns and it is safe. You may be wondering if this smell is dangerous. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Therefore, lets now look at how to get rid of this burning smell. Generally, a 500-watt unit will warm a small room adequately if used continuously, according to the RoomHeater website. Be sure to replace your filters as often as the manufacturer suggests. How to Keep Cockroaches Away at Night? 5. The blower motor, a component that sends hot air through the vents, relies on a clean filter to work properly. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. When a space heater smells like burning, it reveals a sign of some sort of danger. Hello , This is an inactive thread. The smell should dissipate after you run your furnace for a little while. Therefore, you should service your heater at least once a year to eliminate all disabilities and other factors that might lead to a burning smell. If you suspect that the wiring is the problem, you should turn off the heater and call an electrician. If you can, open it or peer inside. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Most new space heaters will let off a strange smell for the first few hours of use. Once mildew or mold are in the furnace or ducts, this can quickly create serious problems throughout your home. Ceramic heaters are often used to supplement home heating systems. A wide variety of space heaters are available to suit your needs. Following this, when you take out the heater after a long break, you clean the outer body, but you never bother about cleaning the inside of the heater. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! If you smell any of those scents, turn your heater off right away. It could also be because of paint and other materials melting in the space heater. If your space heater smells, it could be due to a number of reasons. Jim, no it's not the additive, my house is connected to the same supply and no smell from the kitchen stove. If you forgot to store the heater in a plastic bag, chances are there will be dust on the heating elements once again. How and why does electrometer measures the potential differences? This is one of the most common smells that homeowners notice coming from their heater. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process. A brand new space heater will usually have a few burning smells associated with it because of the materials it is made of heating up and burning off fumes. The smell indicates that either an internal component of the heater is burning or theres some plastic object kept in the way of the heat. These units use a ceramic element and aluminum baffles in which the heated air is stored and then blown into the room. If youre space heater smells like gas, then there is a good probability that you are using a space heater indoors that is not made for indoor use. If the smell doesnt fade, refer to the user manual or contact the manufacturer for more details. When your portable space heater smells like burning, it is a sign of potential danger, and there can be several reasons accountable for this burning smell. This could be lint, dust, or even a small animal. They are meant to turn off whenever they get too hot. Every electric appliance, including your space heater, requires proper maintenance. 2023 HVAC Buster All Rights Reserved. If you want to learn more about the dangers of ceramic heaters, check out this recent article on my site. The top of the vent pipe is above the roof ridge line. However, if you notice your space heater smells, it may be time to take a closer look at it. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Its a device specifically built to produce large amounts of heat, and when you smell something burning coming from your space heater, you know that it has the capacity to burn something seriously. A wide variety of issues can cause your heater to smell like burnt electrical or plastic parts. It often happens the first cold day or night of the season, when you turn on your furnace after its been off for a while. So, whenever you sense a burning smell from your space heater, check if its plugged into the wall outlet or not. Finally, if theres an electrical issue, it could be causing the burning smell. If something is caught in the fan, it will eventually cause the fan to overheat and smell like burning. This overworking can lead to overheating, which causes a burning stench. My parents live in a country house and they've got a bunch of space heaters of various designs. Melting Though it is not uncommon to smell burning smells coming from a space heater since high heat tends to do that, It's a whole another issue if you have an electrical problem or if the space heater is faulty itself. 5 Common HVAC Odors (And What Causes Them) - Compact Appliance NewAir Quietheat15S Portable Ceramic Space Heater . Gas heater smell - JLC-Online Forums Dust- When you turn on the heater for the first time of the season, there can be dust in the system. You should wait for the heater to cool down after turning it off and contact the manufacturer. Therefore, you need to be excessively alert when noticing any abnormality with your space heater. Johnny, there is no gasoline, paint or any other fumes in the building. Signs of a Cockroach Infestation: Hints You Should Never Ignore! Besides, you should also make efforts to remove all flammable objects from the 3-feet diameter area. It suffice to say that you shouldnt see burning on the plug or at the wall. Space Heater Smells like Burning (Is It Plastic, Hair, or Fish?) This infrared space heater is equipped with ETL certification, child lock function, and overheat protection to keep you and your family safe. Lets study some of the most common reasons resulting in space heating burning smell. A lot of times, people experience a burning smell coming out of their space heater as they start using it after a long time. Depending on how long its been since youve used your space heater, the likelihood of dust having settled on it and in it, is pretty high. Best Space Heaters 2023 - Forbes Vetted A strange-smelling ceramic space heater can be caused by dust accumulating on the heater. This can cause the element to overheat, which can produce a burning smell. There are a few different reasons why your space heater might start to smell. Particular attention should be given to the heating element to ensure that it is free of dirt that can cause a bad smell when first operating the heater for the season. Space heaters use a lot of energy so it is not uncommon that the plug will be pretty warm but if you fill of the plug and it is very hot, there is a problem. Thankfully, its perfectly normal. This can happen if the heater is old or if its been damaged. If your heater smells like burning plastic, turn it off right away. The best way to avoid mold issues is to take measures to prevent mold build up in the first place. First, check to see if the heater is dirty. Next, to remove the odor, youll have to open the doors and the windows to let the foul smell get out of the room. Delonghi Oil Filled Radiator Smell Digital Spy #1 I have an electric space heater that heats up oil inside it, and it started smelling kinda bad when I turned it on. I had to open a window. So, if your space heater smells burning, chances are that the device is overheating. Discover the Shocking Facts, Malfunctioning of the internal components, Leaving the space heater on for a prolonged period, Not focusing on the maintenance of the device. Burning dust or debris can cause a burning smell, as can overheating. May 1, 2020. Rotten eggs or sulfur: If your home starts smelling like either of these, get out quickly and call your gas company. My Electric Space Heater Keeps Tripping the Breaker? Parrots. Ceramic space heaters are relatively new on the space heater market. These units use a ceramic element and aluminum baffles in which the heated air is stored and then blown into the room. You have to make sure you clean the heater from pet hair, as it is a fire hazard. For the first 5 or 6 hours of use, your ceramic heater will probably smell quite bad. The most common reason is that the heating element is dirty or dusty and needs to be cleaned. A licensed specialist can make sure your ducts and furnace are free of mold and any substances like dirt and dust. Extension cord will not be able to provide the required amount of current to the space heater, which might result in inefficient performance, overheating, malfunctioning of the internal components and a burning smell eventually. Next, try to see if the smell is coming from one specific vent. Be certain that you are not using a space heater inside the house that is meant for a garage. Use a vacuum cleaner to extract dust and debris . This hack is to prevent the burning smell in a space heater. Next, try to see if the smell is coming from one specific vent. If your space heater smells like something is burning, but theres no visible damage to the heating element, it could be due to dust build-up on the element. Electrical Odors If your HVAC unit smells like it might be overheating, it very well could be. This dirt and dust provide an avenue for moisture to build up. Ceramic space heaters provide quick heating for cold areas. Using a comma instead of "and" when you have a subject with two verbs. The most common reason is that the heater is dirty and needs to be cleaned. A specialist can inspect your system, diagnose whats wrong, fix anything wrong with your heater and help keep you and your family out of harms way. These equipment are easy to use and incredibly affordable to find a place in almost every household. Limbo (7 year old Dusky Conure), Prisma (4 year old Parakeet), Stormy (2 year old Parakeet) Nov 3, 2012. One possibility is that the heating element is dirty. If you plan to use the heater in different areas of the home, such as warming hard-to-heat areas indoors, or for working on your car in the garage, a portable heating unit may be best for your needs. Keep an eye on it. Heres What You Need to Know, Cool Mist Humidifier, Vaporizer, or Nebulizer: How to Choose the Best Device for Your Familys Needs, How to Identify and Clean Mold in a Window Air Conditioner. If after that the heater still smells, you should either contact the manufacturer or return it. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Troubleshoot a Lasko Ceramic-Element Space Heater, 5 Common Problems With Electric Baseboard Heaters And How to Fix Them. Dust can build up on the aluminum baffles of these units, so carefully clean off all surfaces before using. A more serious cause could be defective electrical wiring, an overheated blower motor or another damaged part. However, if the smell doesnt go away, then something else might be causing the problem, such as a dirty air filter. Life-Saving Essential Safety Measures! How Do I Get Rid of Ceramic Heater Smells? | Hunker A pro can inspect your system, determine the problem and make all needed repairs. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Why are (properly functioning) heaters making the air smell weird? My heater does this too, this gives both of us a better chance that it's a normal thing. If the heating element is damaged, it can cause the unit to overheat and emit a burning smell. Do not use any abrasive materials as these might damage the finish. Not sure if a new plug will fix fishey smell thought. It only takes a minute to sign up. As a general rule, ceramic heaters are not supposed to smell strange. Not all surge protectors are made the same. Another possibility is that theres something caught in the heater, like dust or lint. What to Do If the Gas Burner Is Left On Without Flame? Technically, this burning smell is the dust burning inside the heater. Expert Tips You Never Knew Before! The most common reason is that the heating element is dirty. The Bottom Line. If the smell persists, it could be due to a more serious problem, such as a problem with the heating element. Space heaters are a great way to keep warm in the winter months, but they can sometimes emit a burning smell. The burning dust gives off the smoky scent that you may notice when you first turn on your heater this winter. Joseph is an HVAC technician and a hobbyist blogger. Do Propane Heaters Smell? (Answered) - The HVAC Blog What causes the smell is usually the burning of dust that has settled on the heater. The issue is, however, that some cheap ceramic heaters are not made with electrical components like thermistors and transistors that ensure the temperature of the heating element does not get too high. Some of them are: Heating coil and a fan (hot air blower) Oil-filled battery Flat electric battery (no liquids inside) Infrared lamp Only the infrared type doesn't make the air smell weird (or at least not as much as the other types). Although there are various signs of danger that call for your attention while you use a space heater, but here we will talk about the space heater burning smell, as a danger sign. To avoid the odor from polluting the atmosphere indoors, you can prefer plugging your heater outdoors while doing it for the first time, or you can also place it on the window to let the smell fade away instantly. This burning smell wont last long and will go away after the first use. The heater works but seems to heat the room up slowly(20x15 bedroom). Space heaters can smell weird because of dirt, grease, oil, dust, or hair burning on the heater. If It's a Burnt Dust Smell This is one of the most common smells that homeowners notice coming from their heater. Why do space heaters make the air smell like that? If it does, call a professional to rule out any bigger issues. So I look at Squeeky and he is all puffed up, shaking, and breathing wierd. Work your way from the top down and then vacuum the bottom of the heater as well. When your portable space heater smells like burning, it is a sign of potential danger, and there can be several reasons accountable for this burning smell. So what are some of the reasons why a space heater smells like burning? Alaska mayor offers homeless free flight to Los Angeles, but is Los Angeles (or any city in California) allowed to reject them? If the element is damaged, its important to stop using the heater immediately and get it repaired or replaced. Otherwise, you risk starting a fire. And once you know the cause of this smell, dealing with it becomes more convenient. A continuous musty scent from your system could mean that there is mold trapped on your filter. For more information about HVAC repairs and installations, visit our website. To get rid of this burning smell, you will have to usually turn off and again turn on your heater several times. Whether you have an electric heater, a furnace, or a heat pump, dust can accumulate. If your home fills with a mold or mildew odor when the heat kicks on, a clogged filter may be the culprit. Images: 7. Stack Overflow at WeAreDevelopers World Congress in Berlin, Remove the smell of cigarette smoke from upholstery. Another possible reason for a smelly space heater is a clogged vent. There are parts inside of a space heater that are glued together also. If the smell is coming from your furnace itself, you could have an overheated motor or faulty wiring. It wasnt gas. If your space heater smells, it could be due to a number of reasons. Ceramic space heaters are relatively trouble-free if you maintain them properly and use them according to the manufacturer's instructions. All these parts, and others, are essential to keeping your system in good working order. Unfortunately, an electrical burning smell isnt the only smell that could mean you have a larger problem on your hands. Its also important to distinguish between electric space heaters and gas space heaters. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Why your heater smells like it's burning - hvac.com It may not display this or other websites correctly. You can get a two pack for $5.99 or you can purchase one that cost $40. So the first thing you want to do when you smell burning from a space heater is to check and make sure that the space heater itself is not melting. Air purifiers are devices that kill airborne germs like bacteria, viruses, and mold. Radiant heaters are also the least likely to stir currents of air over he heater. Like any other electronic device, your space heater should also be serviced every few months. Space heater works, but some unburnt gas smell Units can be large and stationary or portable for use throughout the house as needed. On the other hand, certain scents could clue you into a larger problem with your system. Ceramic heater odor is usually strongest during the first few uses or when dust and dirt build up on the unit. Whenever you use an electric heating appliance, you ensure switching it off at regular intervals to avoid overheating. Just replace the wire if that is possible with your specific model, or you could buy a new one. Side Effects of Electric Heaters- The Good, Bad, and. If these filters are not cleaned on a regular basis, they can become clogged and cause the space heater to smell. It wasn't gas. Space heaters can smell weird because of dirt, grease, oil, dust, or hair burning on the heater. If the odor is concentrated to one vent, you probably have a foreign object in your heating system. And if you have pets in the house, you have more hair throughout your house than you probably know. New Heater Smell | Trouble Free Pool 07/11/13 - 20:06 #1 I have a Delonghi oil filled radiator electric heater, it's a Delonghi Vento (V551225). #1. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the heater. If your space heater smells, it could be a sign that its overheating. You will get much more visibility by. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct. Electric heater smells like burning plastic. Legal and Usage Questions about an Extension of Whisper Model on GitHub. You are using an out of date browser. To fix this, youll need to clean out the fan and make sure theres nothing blocking it. rev2023.7.27.43548. Three or four-inch thick filters should be changed every six months. If your space heater smells like it is burning, it is likely because the heating element is touching something else inside the heater. This is a more serious issue, and you should call a technician to come and take a look. Why an Electric Heater Smells Like Burning Plastic (& What to Do) Do not place it in or around a natural walkway, in front of a door or near anything flammable, including drapery and upholstered furniture. June 30, 2022 | Joseph Hebert Space heaters are a great way to keep warm in the winter months, but they can sometimes emit a burning smell. Check your air filter and make sure theres no buildup of dust or debris. When this happens, the element can start to overheat, which can cause it to emit a burning smell. Another possibility is that theres something wrong with the wiring. While there is sometimes an easy fix for some of these kinds of heater smells, they can also indicate serious problems. If your space heater smells like its burning, it could be due to a faulty heating element. Burning dust or smoke: This scent shouldnt persist longer than a few hours after first turning on your heater for the season. I figure that's all this is however nobody warned me about this for the pool heater. Lasko Heaters 3.9 62 reviews Are you this business? It can heat a small room quickly or add extra warmth to an area of up to 250 square feet. A licensed specialist can provide you with resources on how to help prevent the mold contamination from spreading to other areas of your home. Your technician can make adjustments to the HVAC system to allow air to move effectively through the filter. Hair is a common household pollutant that gets all over your furniture and floor. In most cases, the smell of burning oil can be fixed by having your oil filter changed on your heater. If your heater has started smelling, all sorts of things could be going on. This reason might sound a little weird, but a brand-new heater might smell like burning at first.