In Orlando, we get to enjoy warm weather all year round. However, a few times a year we may have to turn on the heater. With the first startup of the heater, there could be some suspicious smells coming from it or your duct system. How do you know if everything is okay or if there’s a problem?
Burning smell
After leaving your heater turned off all summer. Dust and other debris can collect on the heating elements. So when you switch it on, all this dust gets burned off. The terrible smell then gets pumped into your home along with the warm air, and that’s when you begin noticing the odd smell. It is normal for this to happen, especially at the beginning of the heating season. The smell usually lasts no more than hour. It will go away. Open the doors or windows of your house to facilitate this.
Clogged Filters
When your AC motor is overworked, it produces a smell. One of the most common causes of an overworked motor is a clogged filter. If you do not change the filter, the smell will only increase and the motor may actually give out. Replacing filters before turning on your heating for the first time each season could save you a whole lot of trouble.
If You Smell Gas?
That is actually dangerous. If this is the case, you should contact the gas company immediately!
Carbon monoxide
The One Thing You Can’t Smell that is dangerous is carbon monoxide. It has no smell, no color and no taste. The only way to detect it is with a carbon monoxide detector, which you should purchase for your safety. Every Tenant should purchase carbon monoxide detector and keep it near to the garage or kitchen.
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A good overview of some problems that can happen with heaters at the start of cold weather. It’s important to check these to make sure there isn’t a larger problem or huge hazard.