Burning smell coming from A/C /heating unit

[rmccluskey]

We have recently aquired a 2006 35 foot Fleetwood Bounder whiich is eqiupped with a propane furnace as well as two air conditioning units which are also electrical heaters. We just tried the rear A/C unit on heat for the first time and after a couple of minutes noticed an odour coming from it which I think smells like electrical burning. I shut it down right away. I would appreciate any info from anyone who has had a similar experience before I call in the professionals. Thanks.

[num1dgh]

Was the AC/Heat not used often in the recent past? When we turn on the heat (same thing -- it's the AC unit) after not having used it for a while, we get a slight burning odor that stops after a short while. We've always assumed it was dust. Incidentally, unless the temperature is at least 48 degrees, the electric heat doesn't work. We found that out the hard way one winter . . . we kept wondering why it was such cold air! I also dislike the heat coming from the ceiling vents so we end up using propane heat at least 95% of the time. We also always have a small electric floor heater that we'll use in the portion of the coach in which we're "hanging out" at the time. We always prefer using the park's electricity instead of our propane!

[rmccluskey]

Thanks John, yes, I think its been awhile since the unit was used on heat. We also have a small portable heater. I will give the a/c heater a few more minutes on the next try but it really does smell like electrical/electronic goodies sizzling in there. Not enough to produce smoke but a distinctive smell. Reg

[melvonnar]

Burnt dust

[TXiceman]

Simply burning dust off the heating element. You get the same thing when you start up the furnace fro the first time after setting all summer.

Ken

[rmccluskey]

I contacted the tech dept of the company that makes the A/C heat pump unit and they said it was probably the "Starter capacitor" and advised I could find it inside a little door on the driver's side of the unit after removing the plastic cowling. I found it right where the guy said it would be and it was obviously toast just as he said it would be. New kit is $20 and it is on the way. Probably would have been a couple hundred if I went to a professional. If this does not solve the problem I will let you all know but I think this will be the end of this threat. Thanks for all the input guys.
Reg