Recently, a user living in Victoria shared their experience on Reddit, saying there was a burning plastic smell coming from their AC. If so, it’s a red flag you shouldn’t ignore. Especially on hot and humid days, these issues are more likely to show up in residential and commercial air conditioning Gold Coast systems. Find out why with DEEPCHILL, your trusted air conditioning Gold Coast specialists!
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Health risks of inhaling burning plastic odor
Breathing in a burning plastic smell from your air conditioner isn’t just unpleasant, it can affect your health. These fumes contain toxic chemicals that may irritate your eyes, nose and throat, making you cough or feel short of breath. Some people also experience headaches, dizziness after a while.
If exposure keeps happening, it can worsen asthma, lung issues or even put extra strain on your heart. That’s why you shouldn’t ignore strange smells from commercial air conditioning Gold Coast or residential air conditioning Gold Coast systems. Fixing the issue early helps protect your indoor air quality and your well-being.
Discover top 4 reasons for a burning smell in residential air conditioning Gold Coast
Mechanical and electrical issues
Parts inside your HVAC system, such as wires, circuit boards can overheat due to electrical faults or short circuits. When this happens, the insulating materials around these components may burn, creating a smell similar to burning plastic or rubber.
Dirty or clogged air filter
A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder than it should. This extra strain causes overheating and can even burn the dirt and debris trapped in the filter. As a result, you may notice a strong burning plastic smell when the air conditioner is running.
Foreign objects or dust buildup
Items like debris, pet hair, fabric or small tools can accidentally get inside the unit or ductwork. When the system turns on, these objects can heat up and produce a burning odor.
Lack of proper maintenance
Without regular maintenance, issues such as dirty air filters, blocked vents can build up over time. This increases the risk of overheating and mechanical problems, eventually leading to an unpleasant burning plastic smell.
Determining the source of the burning odor
Finding where the burning smell is coming from is the first step to fixing the problem and improving indoor air quality. Start by paying close attention to how and where the odor appears.
- Check the air vents first. If the smell is stronger near the vents, the issue may be inside the ductwork or caused by something trapped in the system.
- Next, move closer to the HVAC unit itself. A stronger smell here often points to motors, electrical components or circuit boards. If the odor only shows up in one specific room, there may be a blockage or a foreign object in that area.
- Once you narrow down the location, look for visible signs such as smoke or unusual heat.
- After that, think about possible causes like dust buildup, clogged air filters, trapped objects or overheating parts.
DEEPCHILL – your long-term solutions to stop burning plastic smell
Preventing a burning smell starts with looking after your HVAC system properly. Regular checkups help make sure everything is working as it should and allow small issues to be found early, before they turn serious.
Air filters also play a big role. When filters are dirty or clogged, airflow is restricted, forcing the system to overwork and overheat. Replacing them every three months helps keep airflow smooth and indoor air cleaner.
Routine cleaning matters too. Vacuuming, dusting and keeping the area around the unit clean reduces dust and debris that could burn once the system runs. If the burning smell keeps coming back, repairs or part replacements may be needed to stop further damage and safety risks.
If you notice sparks, smoke or a strong burning smell that does not go away, it’s time to call the professionals. DEEPCHILL, your trusted commercial air conditioning Gold Coast service is here to help identify the problem and bring proper maintenance so your system can run smoothly!
