Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now experiencing a strange smell? You’re not alone, because a lot of other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s leading to this smell, and when you can look forward to it to go away, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t disregard.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two explanations why a new furnace might smell.

Protective Coating

Your furnace has a special coating on certain parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely exhausts gases like carbon monoxide naturally made during the heating process.

When your furnace runs for the first couple of times, the coating may give off a burning smell. This is typical and the smell should disperse the more your furnace runs.

To be on the safe side, you’ll want to contact a heating and cooling company if the smell persists. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor has overheated or there’s an electrical problem, among other concerns.

Dust

Dust accumulates inside your furnace when it’s off in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you flip on your furnace in the fall, making a burning smell. This smell should go away within a few minutes.

One way you can decrease or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is needed to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty good, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run perfectly during the upcoming heating season.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss

While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other smells you should keep an eye out for and what they might mean.

  1. Burning plastic or rubber. If your furnace smells like burning plastic, you might have an electrical difficulties. Electrical wiring is coated in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this protective coating. To hinder a fire, switch off your furnace as soon as possible and have it inspected out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to warn you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off right away, leave your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s extremely flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew growing in your ductwork. We recommend having your ductwork examined and cleaned if needed.

Now that you understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re well-equipped to take care of your new heater. If you have concerns about an odd odor, our Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling HVAC technicians can assist you. Call us at 740-474-5940 to schedule your appointment now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Circleville and surrounding communities.