The first cool front of the season hits Tyler or Jacksonville, you switch your heater on… and suddenly your home smells weird. Maybe it’s dusty. Maybe it’s musty. Maybe it smells like something’s burning.
No matter what you smell, one thing is certain: it gets your attention fast.
At Bannister Plumbing & Air,we get calls every fall from homeowners worried about new or unexpected heater smells. The truth is, some odors are perfectly normal—especially when you’re turning the heat on for the first time in months. But other smells can signal a safety issue or a problem inside your system that needs immediate attention.
Here’s what those odors really mean,what’s normal, and when it’s time to bring in a Bannister technician.
1. Dusty or Burning Smell (Usually Normal)
What it smells like:
Burning dust,burning hair, or a slightly “hot” metal smell.
What’s happening:
After a longEast Texas summer, your furnace or heat pump sits unused for months. Dust settles on the heating coils, heat exchanger, or electric strips. Once the heater kicks on, that dust burns off.
How long it should last:
A few minutes —up to an hour at most.
When it becomes a concern:
● If the smell lasts longer than an hour
● If you haven’t changed your airfilter in months
● If you see smoke coming from vents
● If the smell becomes stronger overtime
A persistent burning smell can mean something is overheating.
2. Musty or Mildew Smell
What it smells like:
A damp, dirty,or “old towel” smell.
What it means:
Humidity sticks around in East Texas, even into fall. Moisture can build up inside your HVAC system, especially if your filter is dirty or your ducts need cleaning.
Possible causes include:
● Mold or mildew in the system
● A clogged or wet filter
● Moisture sitting in ductwork
● Drain line issues
● A dirty evaporator coil
Start here:
Swap your air filter. If the smell comes back the next time you run the heat, schedule a system cleaning or duct inspection.
3. Electrical or Burning Plastic Smell (Not Normal)
What it smells like:
Overheatingwires, plastic melting, or a hot electrical odor.
These are warning signs of:
● A failing blower motor
● Loose electrical connections
● Overheating circuit board
● Damaged wiring
● A failing capacitor
● Heat strips stuck on
What to do:
Turn your system off immediately. Electrical smells area safety concern—don’t run your heater again until a professional has looked atit.
4. Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smell (Emergency)
If you smell rotten eggs when your gasfurnace is running, this is an emergency.
It usually indicates a gas leak,and natural gas is intentionally treated with this odor so you’ll notice it.
What to do right away:
● Leave your home immediately
● Do NOT turn lights on or off
● Do NOT use appliances
● Call your gas company
● Once they give the all-clear, callBannister so we can inspect the furnace
Never try to diagnose a potential gas leak on your own.
5. A Smoky or Burnt Smell Coming From Vents
What it smells like:
Smoke, soot, orburnt dust.
What it means:
Your heater maybe overheating or struggling to push air through the system.
Common culprits:
● A clogged air filter
● Dust buildup inside the furnace
● A motor beginning to fail
● Debris near the heat exchanger
● Problems with electric heat strips
What to do: Turnoff the system and call Bannister for service. Overheating can cause long-term damage if ignored.
How to Prevent Heater Smells Each Winter
The best way to avoid unexpected odors iswith a little seasonal maintenance.
Change Your Air Filter
East Texas dust and allergens clogfilters fast. Change yours every 30–60 days.
Schedule a Fall Heating Tune-Up
A tune-up clears out dust, checkselectrical components, inspects the heat exchanger, and ensures your system issafe before winter.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear
If you use a heat pump, keep leaves,grass, and debris away from the unit.
Consider Cleaning Your Ductwork
If you notice ongoing musty odors, dustbuildup, or poor airflow, duct cleaning can make a big difference.
When to Call Bannister Plumbing & Air
Reach out to our team if:
● The smell lasts longer than anhour
● You detect anything electrical or chemical
● You smell rotten eggs (leave your home and call the gas company)
● You hear new noises along with the odor
● Your heater hasn’t been serviced in a year or more
● You notice weak airflow or cold spots in the home
A quick inspection gives you peace of mind—and ensures your heating system is safe and ready for colder weather.
Stay Warm and Safe This Season With Bannister Plumbing & Air
Unexpected heater smells don’t have toruin the first cold front of the year. Whether you need a tune-up, a repair, orjust want a second opinion, Bannister’s licensed heating technicians are hereto help keep your home comfortable and safe.
Give us a call today to schedule your heating inspection or fall tune-up.
