As you begin using your air conditioning more often this summer in Sonoma County, one of the last things you want is to smell a burning odor coming from the unit.
Although your thoughts may automatically jump to a potential fire or expensive repair, that isn’t always the case.
Learn about some common reasons for a burning AC smell and what you can do to resolve the issue.
Clogged Air Filter
The job of your HVAC system’s air filter is to capture dirt, dust, hair, pollutants, and other contaminants from the air and keep them from circulating throughout your home. It is also a very important part of helping to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently.
If all of this sounds like a tall order, that’s because it is. That’s why it is so important to keep on top of changing your air filter regularly.
A clogged air filter cannot trap pollutants from re-circulating through your home. It also restricts the airflow, or efficiency, of your overall HVAC system.
A dirty air filter causes the blower to work extra hard to try to move the now restricted air throughout the system. This leads to extra exertion of the blower motor, which can overheat over time.
An overheated motor can certainly be the reason for a burning smell.
Overheated Motor
If a dirty air filter is the reason behind an overheating motor, it’s a pretty easy fix.
However, when your motor overheats, it can also affect other components in the motor assembly. An overheated motor or other motor components gives off a burning smell, but as time goes on, wear out or break down completely.
It may simply be time to replace the motor due to age or overuse, especially if it overheats or works under strain to move air through the system.
Worn Bearings
If you notice a squealing noise coming from the AC unit, it may be due to worn-out bearings.
Once bearings begin to wear out, it puts a lot of added strain on the motors which power the fans that cool down your home.
Worn out bearings not only make an unmistakable high-pitched noise but puts more strain on the motors causing them to overheat.
If the bearings aren’t lubricated or replaced, it causes the motor itself to overheat or simply fail.
Conclusion
There are a lot of reasons why you may notice a burning smell coming from your AC unit.
Whether it be something simple like needing an air filter change or thorough cleaning or a more serious electrical or failing part issue, don’t ignore that burning smell.
For a professional cleaning or diagnostic inspection, don’t wait. Call the experts at Dale HCS in Santa Rosa.