Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now noticing a weird smell? You're not alone, because a lot of other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s creating this smell, and when you can anticipate it to go away, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t disregard.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two factors why a new furnace might reek.

Protective Coating

Your furnace has a special application on specific 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 starts for the first couple of times, the coating may give off a burning smell. This is normal and the smell should go away the more your furnace runs.

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

Dust

Dust collects inside your furnace when it’s idle in the summer. That dust will burn off when you turn on your furnace in the fall, making a burning smell. This smell should go away within a few minutes.

One way you can lessen or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every 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 Disregard

While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other odors you should watch 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 covered in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To prevent a fire, switch off your furnace right away and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to warn you when there’s a problem. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off right away, get out of your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s highly flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew developing in your ductwork. We advise having your ductwork checked and cleaned if necessary.

Now that you understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re prepared to take care of your new heating system. If you have concerns about a strange odor, our Point Heating & Cooling HVAC technicians can help you. Call us at 715-504-0533 to schedule your appointment now. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Plover and surrounding areas.