York
Overheating Electrical Component or Dust Burn‑Off
York air conditioner produces burning or electrical smell when running
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Dust on electric heat strips (in air handler), Overheating blower motor, Loose electrical connections, Failing capacitor or contactor
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: If you smell burning plastic or see smoke, turn off power immediately at the breaker and do not operate the unit.
- Initial dust burn‑off: A mild odor at first use of the season may be dust burning off heat strips and should dissipate quickly.
- Inspect wiring: With power off, check for discolored, melted, or loose wires at the blower, contactor, and capacitors. Repair or replace as needed.
- Check motor temperature: If the blower or fan motor housing is extremely hot to the touch, the motor may be failing and should be replaced.
- Call a technician: Persistent burning smells require professional diagnosis to prevent fire risk.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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