Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Like Burning?

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In Singapore, where aircons often run for long hours, overheating is a common problem due to wear and tear. If your air conditioner smells like burning plastic, something is likely overheating or melting inside the unit. Whether it’s faulty wiring, worn-out components, or overheating motors, it’s important to shut off the system immediately!

What Causes that Burning Smell Coming from Air Conditioners?

Reason #1 Something is Burning

Check all electrical sockets, gas stoves, short circuits, and any area in your house that could potentially start a fire. Something burning in your home is a serious matter and should be dealt with immediately. The smoke may be traveling through your vents, causing the fire to seemingly come from your air conditioning system.

The first thing to do when something is burning is to shut off your appliances, locate the fire whenever possible, and use a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. If the fire is getting too hot or is in a dangerous location like the kitchen, evacuate your home immediately, and call the Singapore fire department immediately.

Reason #2 Fleeting Smells

If you cannot find the source of the smoke in your home, and the smell has dissipated after a few minutes, then there is a chance the burning plastic smell came from external sources. A neighbor may be burning leaves or garbage, or there could be incense burning in a nearby temple, which is common in Singapore. These fleeting smells should not linger in your home but are not alarming.

If you live in a forested area, you may need to check with your local fire department for any potential forest fires, which are increasingly worrisome during the hot summer months. Additionally, during the haze season in Singapore, air quality can also drop due to forest fires from neighboring regions. Depending on the source of the burning smell, you may not need to worry about it affecting your home or health. What you can do is check local air quality reports and use an air purifier to help mitigate the issue.

Reason #3 Burning Electrical Components

Electrical components within your air conditioner may smell like burning rubber when overheating. This can be hazardous if the electrical problem sparks jolts of electricity to your carpets, curtains, or other flammable house decor. Immediately switch off and unplug your HVAC system whenever possible, and call an electrician.

Any electrical problem with your air conditioner unit should be dealt with by a professional electrician and a Luce Aircon HVAC technician as we have the experience and training to handle potentially dangerous electrical failure in your HVAC system. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself, and shut off the power to your air conditioner immediately.

Reason #4 Overheating Motor

The burning smell may come from an overheating belt drive motor in your AC unit. If your AC smells like burning plastic or has a burning smell from AC, then this is most likely the case. You may feel that your air conditioner is warm to the touch, hear whirring sounds from your AC unit, or notice that it is no longer providing cool air.

In Singapore’s humid climate, dust and moisture buildup can contribute to airflow restriction, leading to overheating motors. Issues such as clogged air filters or dirty evaporator coils can further worsen the problem. Regular aircon servicing and maintenance are essential to prevent overheating and extend the lifespan of your unit.

Reason #5 Damaged Capacitor

A damaged capacitor can also be a reason why your AC smells like burning. Capacitors regulate the electrical flow within the air conditioners, and when they fail, they may emit a burning plastic smell. 

This can happen due to power surges, aging components, or overheating from prolonged usage—a common issue in Singapore, where air conditioners run frequently due to the tropical heat. If you suspect a damaged capacitor, turn off the unit immediately and call an aircon technician. 

Our team at Luce provides capacitor replacement and repairs to ensure your system runs safely and efficiently.

Reason #6  Belt Drive Motor Overheated

Certain AC models with a belt drive motor can emit a burning smell when the belt overheats. This often happens due to friction from misaligned or worn-out belts. If left unchecked, the issue could cause further damage to the motor and reduce air conditioner efficiency.

Regular inspection and servicing will help prevent the issue, ensuring your AC functions optionally. If you notice a burning smell from your air conditioner, contact a professional aircon service provider for a thorough inspection and repair.

Tips to Prevent Burning Smell from AC

Tip #1 Maintain Your AC Unit with a Routine Checkup

A routine checkup is the best way to prevent any aircon problems and should be done once every 6 months to a year. Through aircon maintenance, our technicians will be able to find and reinforce weak spots in your unit, so you don't have to worry about worn electrical connections, broken motors, and more.

Tip #2 Clean Your Air Conditioner

Cleaning your AC system can be done at home, and will help ease the stress from your unit. You can clean the filter, coils, and exterior of your AC system with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. Mesh filters can be cleaned with soap and water, and cleaning your unit will prevent your AC from overheating.

Tip #3 Go for Reputable Aircon Service Companies

Improper cleaning and maintenance of your unit can lead to an overheating air conditioner as your unit attempts to function properly despite inadequate maintenance. Improper upkeep can also miss weak points in your AC unit that may lead to problems later on.

Always choose a Singapore reputable service company for any of your aircon needs. Look no more, and choose Luce Aircon–your trusted partner to maintain the cooling system! Our cleaning and maintenance services will provide top-quality service that will keep your air conditioning system in Singapore in good working condition longer.

What to Do if You Notice a Burning Smell from AC?

If your air conditioner smells like burning plastic or you notice a burning smell from your AC, it’s crucial to take immediate action. First, you should turn off your air conditioner and unplug it from the electrical socket to prevent potential fire hazards and further damage. This will also help stop the smell from worsening. 

As explained above, the burning smell from your AC in Singapore could be caused by various factors. In some cases, external factors might also contribute to the smell. However, if the odor persists–it’s a sign of an internal issue that requires professional attention.

Don’t attempt to fix the issue yourself—contact a trusted professional immediately. Luce is a reputable aircon service company in Singapore, our technicians are trained to diagnose and repair all types of air conditioning issues, ensuring your unit runs safely and efficiently.

Call Luce today for a thorough inspection and professional repair services if you notice a burning smell from the AC!

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