Central Ac Smells Like Smokey Or Burning?

by Lyndsay M
(sandston,va usa)

Central air conditioner has been running fine, but today started making a weird smell like a smokey/burning... we had our septic pumped thought that had something to o with it at first.. confused??!! need help!

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Jul 11, 2018
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why smell burn NEW
by: Anonymous

today i got home from work and i went in my apartment and smell burn something and it was my A/C and wasn't working later about 4 hour it start working should i leave on or off before they can come and check it up?

Nov 26, 2016
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New heat and air system odor NEW
by: Anonymous

We had installed 4 new heat and air units about 3 months back. Why 4? The house is large. When running the a/c no smell was ever noticed. First time we turned on heater we smelled something (Mainly me - husband never seems to smell anything) but it was an unidentifiable smell and I know each year when you turn on heater a smell often comes with it. So I dismissed it for the time being. The units are tempstar in various sizes. However this morning the heater was running as the temperature dropped into the upper 30's. The smell this morning seemed to have a smell of wood(?). Looked around all units, upstairs and the garage. No direct smell so still searching. Seems more isolated to a particular area (master bedroom/great room) but can't see anything. Woke husband and again he says it smells like it always has. He doesn't seemed concerned and says I'm over reacting. How do you find something you can't see? Frustrating!

Oct 24, 2016
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Burning plastic smell in new central AC NEW
by: Anonymous

Issue: Burning Plastic Smell in New Central AC
My new Central air system has a plastic pipe inserted into the air vent containing the cooling pipe which catches and drains the condensation from the air conditioner element. When the heat goes on there is a plastic burning smell that is circulated throughout the house vents. Should the plastic parts have been metal inside the vent to have avoided the burning plastic smell. Is this plastic in the air dangerous (PCBs?) or can it melt and become dangerous?

Oct 04, 2015
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Getting a burning smell from my AC NEW
by: Anonymous

My AC keeps running so I tried to put it down one degree and it wouldn't shut off then I started to smell a peculiar smell - almost like a burnt smell, but not sure! It is dark out so I can' go and check it now! Should I turn it off till I can call someone to look at it tomorrow?

Oct 04, 2015
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Jun 21, 2014
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How to fix all Centrail Air Problems Permanently NEW
by: Mr. Fix-it

Forget the expensive old-fashioned pain in the pocket-book ducted HVAC systems and their 10 thousand associated troubles--switch to ductless systems and your nose, lungs, pocketbook and family will thank you profusely!

Fortunately, the days of the USA-style ducted central heating and air system are coming to an end. The new global king of the HVAC systems are the ductless or semi-ductless systems from Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG and Gree.

These modern very efficient systems have the following advantages over the old central heat and air systems of last century:

1.) NO DUCTS TO LEAK, GATHER DUST OR GROW MOLD! Although some ductless systems can have very short runs, they are nothing compared to the hundreds of feet in old whole-house central air systems!

2.)Up to 60% annual energy savings vs. your old central heat/air system! No more gas, oil or electric resistive heat to drive your heating bill through the roof.

3.) Crisp, clean, odorless air all the time! With few exceptions, minisplit systems produce a much cleaner, fresher smelling air than ducted systems.

4.) Much easier to clean and maintain! Cleaning the indoor heads takes about 30 to 45 minutes each year and can be done by the homeowner or a professional. See Youtube to watch the process.

5. No filters to buy, to change or to forget about changing! Mini-split systems use reusable washable filters you pull out, rinse, sling, then re-install.

6. Modular. You can start with a few rooms and add on systems as you desire.

7. They are nearly free! By omitting the HVAC equipment, ductwork, labor, parts and closets from the entire home building process, nearly 20,000 dollars can be saved. Congratulations! You just paid for your new Ductless HVAC system!

8. They are ultra quiet--try 29 to 49 dB on for size.

9. Everyone's room is the right temperature! No one in the home is miserable. This fact alone sells a LOT of these systems!

10. You can mount the outside unit high on the side of the house where it is difficult to steal, vandalize, bend the fins or clog with pet hair, weeds and lawn trimmings.

That's all Folks! Seriously, that is all you need to know to forever eliminate the numerous problems, expenses, odors and headaches associated with antique Central Heat & Air Systems--quit using them.

Apr 05, 2014
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Central Package Rheem unit smells sweet burning metal NEW
by: Joanna

04/05/14. A new Central Package Unit Heat pump 3.5 ton 16 seer was installed 3 weeks ago, along with a new duct work. The unit seats outside on a slab that was built. The house is empty and has been clean several times. The floors are all title. no carpet at all. The smell is like sweet burning metal that makes me sick the minute I walk in the house. So my friend also got a terrible headache in the 10 minutes she was inside the home. She had to leave.
The contractor who is in business over 30 years in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area does not want to take responsibility at all. The owner did came to the house and detected the smell. He gave us 4 options, we decided for him to remove the unit for 3-4 days and see if the smell will go away, but than 3 days later he changed his mind. Nothing got done an the smell getting worst than ever. We are not able to move in.
Is there an organization or anyone that can help us? Thank you !

Jan 10, 2014
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Burning or metl burning issue NEW
by: Anonymous

My heating s ells like burning metal or plastic. Cleaned ducts. Replaced furnace. No luck. Can someone help or had this issue?

Jul 03, 2013
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Smoke/soot smell NEW
by: Anonymous

Having n issue with a soot smell when ac is on trying desperately to find problem. Any ideas?

Nov 16, 2012
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I found it NEW
by: Anonymous

I have a update on my problem. Hope this helps. In my central air unit we have been working on. I found the smell was coming form the insulation in unit. We put in the insulation, and a uv light. The uv light destroyed the plastic on the insulation. The crumbling plastic had the smell. We'll redo the insulation with the foil side of the insulation facing the light this time.

Nov 06, 2012
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Me to NEW
by: Anonymous

I have the same smell and we did all new ducts. That wasn't it for us. I am going to try and rent a gas detector to see if its freon. This is a irritating smell. good luck

Dec 01, 2011
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Heat and air unit smells at times
by: Laura M

We purchased a new heating and air unit a year and a half ago. In October 2011 it start smelling terrible. I can not understand why when it has been on and running already, the next time it comes on it smells and the other times it do not. We have been told that we need new ducts installed and this will cost $3,500 to $4,000. We do not have this kind of money to purchase new ducts. Can some one help us? Thanks

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Central Ac Smells Like Smokey Or Burning?

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