Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now having an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because a lot of other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s causing this smell, and when you can expect 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 specific parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely gets rid of gases such as carbon monoxide naturally made 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 disperse the more your furnace heats.
To be on the safe side, you’ll want to contact a heating and cooling company if the smell continues. A burning smell that sticks around can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.
Dust
Dust accumulates inside your furnace when it’s off in the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you turn on your furnace in the fall, making a burning smell. This smell should disappear within a few minutes.
One way you can reduce or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every single 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 period.
3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss
While it’s less common for a new system to need furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other odors you should look out for and what they might mean.
- Burning plastic or rubber. If your furnace smells like burning plastic, you might have an electrical difficulties. Electrical wiring is protected in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this protective coating. To avoid a fire, turn off your furnace right away and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
- Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to signal you when there’s a problem. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off as soon as possible, evacuate your home and dial 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you sick, plus it’s very flammable and explosive.
- Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew growing in your ductwork. We advise having your ductwork checked and cleaned if needed.
Now that you understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re prepared to take care of your new heater. If you’re worried about a weird odor, our Point Heating & Cooling HVAC technicians can assist you. Call us at 715-504-0533 to schedule your appointment now. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Plover and surrounding neighborhoods.