Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now experiencing a strange smell? You’re not alone, because many other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s leading to this smell, and when you can anticipate it to subside, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t neglect.
Why Your New Furnace Smells
There are two factors why a new furnace might stink.
Protective Finish
Your furnace has a special application on some parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely removes gases including carbon monoxide naturally produced during the heating process.
When your furnace runs for the first couple of times, the coating may emit a burning smell. This is standard 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 lingers. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.
Dust
Dust collects inside your furnace when it’s off in the summer. That dust will burn off when you flip on your furnace in the fall, producing a burning smell. This smell should disappear within a few minutes.
One way you can decrease or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is necessary to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty applicable, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run properly during the upcoming heating period.
3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Ignore
While it’s less common for a new system to necessitate furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other scents you should watch for and what they might mean.
- Burning plastic or rubber. If your furnace smells like burning plastic, you might have an electrical issue. Electrical wiring is covered in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To avoid a fire, shut off your furnace right away and have it inspected out by an HVAC technician.
- Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to warn you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off immediately, evacuate your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s highly flammable and explosive.
- Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew developing in your ductwork. We recommend having your ductwork inspected and cleaned if necessary.
Now that you understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re ready to take care of your new heater. If you’re worried about an odd odor, our Central Heating & Plumbing HVAC technicians can assist you. Contact us at 724-401-1843 to schedule your appointment right now. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in New Castle and surrounding neighborhoods.