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★★★★★ 4.8 · 1,300+ reviews
Lic. CAC1819196 · CFC1431159
✓ FREE Estimates   |   ✓ FREE Diagnosis
No diagnostic fee. No trip charge. You only pay if you approve the repair. Call (813) 343-2212

EMERGENCY

AC Smells Burning? Turn It OFF

If your AC smells burning, turn it OFF immediately. This is an electrical issue that can become a fire. Call Home Therapist for same-day diagnosis. CAC1819196.

Quick Answer

Burning smell from AC in Tampa = electrical short somewhere. Turn OFF at the breaker immediately. Causes: (1) burned motor winding, (2) burned capacitor/contactor, (3) wiring insulation melting, or (4) dust burning off heat strips (first-use of heat, normal for ~1 hour). If smell continues or is strong, don’t restart AC. Call (813) 343-2212. Diagnosis is FREE.

Causes of Burning AC Smell

Burned Motor

Call a tech

Symptom: Strong ongoing burning smell, unit may smoke. Motor has shorted.

Motor replacement $499-$899. Don’t run AC until replaced.

Burned Capacitor/Contactor

Call a tech

Symptom: Electrical burning smell from outdoor unit. Capacitor may be visibly swollen or leaking.

Capacitor/contactor replacement $279 each.

Melting Wiring Insulation

Call a tech

Symptom: Plastic/rubber burning smell, unit cycling erratically.

Low voltage cable replacement $779 or electrical circuit repair $799.

Dust on Heat Strips (First Use)

DIY possible

Symptom: Burning smell first time heating kicks on in fall, normal. Lasts 1-2 hours.

No action needed. Ventilate. If smell persists >2 hours, call.

What to Do Right Now

  1. Turn off AC at thermostat AND breaker immediately.
  2. Ventilate the house.
  3. If smoke visible: evacuate + call 911.
  4. If just smell: call us. FREE diagnosis.
  5. Don’t restart AC until inspected.

FREE diagnosis. Electrical repairs $279-$899 typical. Burned motors $499-$899. Full pricing.

FAQ

Is burning smell dangerous?

Potentially yes, electrical fires start this way. Shut off at breaker. If smoke visible, evacuate + 911.

Can I just ignore it?

No. Short that causes burning smell today starts a fire tomorrow. Fix immediately.

First time heat smells burning?

Normal for electric heat strips, dust burning off. If smell lasts more than 2 hours, call.

How quick can you get here?

Same-day Tampa Bay. Burning smell = prioritized dispatch.

Will insurance cover fire damage?

Usually yes for sudden electrical fires. Document photos + keep receipts.

Smell Burning? Call NOW.

24/7 Tampa Bay emergency dispatch. FREE diagnosis. (813) 343-2212.

★★★★ 4.8 (1,339 verified reviews)
Verified4.8★ · 1,339 reviews
🛡 FL Licensed: CAC1819196 · CFC1431159💼 $1M General Liability + Workers’ Comp🏠 Family-owned since 2017⚡ Same-day service
★★★★★

They worked on my AC and were very helpful and friendly. Definitely recommend them!!

Muluken Damessa · · Google
★★★★★

The technician Dusty from Home Therapist was extremely professional and truly went above and beyond. He was knowledgeable, courteous, and took the time to explain everything clearly while making sure the job…

N · · Google
★★★★★Plumbing

They are very professional, punctual, and organized. Adarberto is a great plumber. His experience and knowledge left us with a lot of confidence and peace of mind. We will definitely call them…

Orlienski Perez · · Google
★★★★★

A very friendly and very professional company. They get the job done right and efficiently! And their rates are reasonable. Highly recommend!

Emi Plays · · Google
★★★★★

AC therapist are the best in this area. They explain everything that they find and what they recommend

Roberto Hernandez · · Google
★★★★★Plumbing

I had a great experience with Alejandro from Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing. He repaired two toilets and installed the water line to my new refrigerator after the delivery team refused…

Thomas Jones · · Google
★★★★★AC repair

Amazing service from start to finish. My AC system completely stopped working, and they were able to come out the same day, which was a huge relief. The technician was professional, knowledgeable,…

Manny Velasquez · · Google
★★★★★Water heater

As an engineer/fabricator/assembler, I have high standards from my contractors. This guy Sam, he fulfilled all my requests and installation needs. He took pride of his work, and left me with a…

ALEXANDROS ORESTIS · · Google
★★★★★Plumbing

A big THANK YOU to Home Therapist Cooling, Heating and Plumbing for running sewer pipes to our RV and shed! Samuel was beyond amazing! He was prompt, professional, and his communication style…

Mindy Walker · · Google
Latest review: May 2026 · auto-refreshed daily
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Reviewed by Richard MoralesCo-Owner & FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor, Home Therapist

Richard co-owns Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing and holds the FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor license (CAC1819196) since 2017. The company holds licenses CAC1819196 (FL Class B AC Contractor, Richard Morales) and CFC1431159 (FL Plumbing Contractor, Alex Morales), serving the Tampa Bay metro with a six-technician field team and 1,378+ verified five-star reviews.

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