Burning Smell from Furnace, Gulf Shores, Roberts AC

Why You May Smell Burning When Your Turn On Your Heater for the First Time

When cooler weather finally arrives to Gulf Shores, AL, and surrounding areas like Orange Beach, Elberta, and Summerdale, you might notice a burning smell when you first turn on your furnace. While some odors are harmless, others could indicate a problem that needs professional attention. At Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, we offer complete furnace services—including repairs, replacements, and heating system tune-ups—to ensure your home stays safe, warm, and comfortable all winter long.

Common Causes of Burning Smells from Your Furnace

  1. Dust Burning Off
    When a furnace sits unused for months, dust can accumulate on the heat exchanger, burners, and in ductwork. When you turn on the furnace, this dust burns off, creating a temporary burning smell. This is common and should dissipate quickly. Scheduling a regular heating system tune-up with Roberts can help minimize dust buildup and enhance efficiency.
  2. Electrical Burning Smell
    An electrical burning smell may signal overheating parts, such as wiring or the motor. This odor should be taken seriously and addressed promptly. If you notice it, turn off your furnace and contact Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical for a safe and thorough furnace inspection and repair.
  3. Burning Plastic or Rubber Smell
    If you smell burning plastic or rubber, it may mean that a foreign object is inside the furnace, or that certain components are overheating or melting. This can cause serious issues if not resolved and requires immediate professional attention.
  4. Musty Smell
    A musty odor may indicate bacterial growth or mildew within the HVAC system, often in the ductwork. Persistent musty smells should be inspected to maintain good indoor air quality. Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical offers duct cleaning and inspections to effectively address these issues.

When to Be Concerned About Furnace Smells

While a brief burning smell from dust is common and harmless, other odors—such as burning plastic, electrical smells, or mustiness—warrant immediate attention. Addressing these issues early can help prevent costly repairs or even the need for a complete furnace replacement.

At Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, we specialize in furnace repair, furnace replacement, and heating system tune-ups to keep your home comfortable during the colder months. Routine maintenance helps detect potential issues early, boosting efficiency and extending the life of your furnace.

Contact Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical Today

If you’re noticing unusual smells when turning on your furnace, don’t wait. Call Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical at (251) 288-5125 to schedule furnace repair or a heating system tune-up. Proudly serving Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta, Summerdale, and the surrounding areas, we’re here to keep your home safe, warm, and comfortable. You can even conveniently request a service appointment online!

Prepare now for a worry-free heating season with Roberts’ trusted expertise!

2025 EPA Refrigerant Changes

Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical Is Helping You Save Big on HVAC Upgrades!

Understanding the 2025 EPA Refrigerant Changes: What Homeowners Need to Know

Starting January 1st, 2025, the EPA will phase out R-410A refrigerant, commonly used in residential HVAC systems. This change is designed to reduce environmental impact but will also increase the cost of new HVAC units and repairs. Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical is here to help you save before prices rise.

What’s Changing?

With R-410A being phased out, maintenance costs for older HVAC systems will increase. Upgrading now helps you lock in savings before prices go up.

Exclusive Offer – Save Up to $2,500 on a New A/C System!

  • Save up to $2,500 on a new A/C system.
  • Payments starting at $99/month.
  • 10-Year Parts and 1-Year Labor Warranty included.

Why Upgrade Now?

Upgrading before December 31, 2024, helps you avoid future price hikes and ensures energy efficiency, reducing your monthly bills.

Don’t Wait Until 2025!

This limited-time offer expires on December 31, 2024, or while supplies last. Contact Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical today to schedule your consultation and secure your savings before the new EPA regulations take effect.


Old Furnace Tune Up Gulf Shores, AL - Roberts

Unnerving Noises Coming from Your Furnace? Here’s What Could Be Causing Them

When the cooler temperatures settle in across Gulf Shores and the surrounding areas, you may begin to rely more on your furnace to keep your home warm and cozy. But what happens when your furnace starts making strange, unsettling noises? While these sounds might give you the chills, the good news is that they’re often caused by common mechanical issues that can be fixed. At Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, we’re here to help you uncover what’s causing these noises and how we can resolve them to keep your home warm and peaceful.

Common Furnace Noises and Their Causes

  1. Banging or Popping Sounds
    • Cause: These loud noises often occur when the furnace’s metal ducts expand and contract as they heat and cool. It could also signal delayed ignition, where gas builds up in the combustion chamber before igniting.
    • Solution: Routine maintenance can help prevent delayed ignition and other issues. Schedule a seasonal tune-up with Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical to ensure your system runs safely and efficiently.
  2. Squealing or Whining
    • Cause: A high-pitched squealing sound is usually caused by a problem with the blower motor or a loose belt that needs lubrication or replacement.
    • Solution: Our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose and repair these issues, restoring your furnace to its quiet operation.
  3. Rattling or Rumbling
    • Cause: Loose panels or components can cause rattling, while a rumbling sound may indicate a burner issue.
    • Solution: Tightening loose parts and cleaning the burner are effective solutions. Contact Roberts for professional heating repair services to address these issues and ensure your furnace is running efficiently.
  4. Humming
    • Cause: A low hum is generally normal, but if it grows louder, it could indicate an electrical issue or a problem with the fan motor.
    • Solution: It’s important to have a professional inspect your furnace to ensure all components are working safely and efficiently.

Why Choose Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical?

At Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, we take pride in serving Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta, Foley, Summerdale, and Fairhope with top-notch heating, cooling and plumbing services. Here’s why we’re the best choice for your heating needs:

  • Skilled Technicians: Our team is trained to handle any furnace issue, from repairs to new installations. We stay updated on the latest industry standards to provide you with the highest quality service.
  • Comprehensive Services: Whether you need furnace installation, repairs, or routine maintenance, we offer a wide range of heating services to keep your home comfortable all year round.
  • Customer-Focused Care: We provide personalized service tailored to meet your home’s specific heating needs, ensuring your satisfaction with every visit.

Our Satisfaction Guarantee

At Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, we stand by the quality of our work. If you’re not completely satisfied with our services, we will make it right—guaranteed. Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Serving Gulf Shores and Beyond

We proudly serve Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta, Foley, Summerdale, Fairhope, and the surrounding areas. No matter where you are in the region, Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical is here to meet your heating and cooling needs with reliable, professional service.

Contact Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical Today

If strange furnace noises are keeping you up at night, don’t wait for them to get worse. Contact Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical today to schedule your heating system tune-up or to learn more about our heating repair services. Call us at (251) 288-5125 or request your appointment online to get started. Let us help keep your home warm, comfortable, and quiet this season!