Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now noticing an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because plenty of other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s creating this smell, and when you can expect it to disappear, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t ignore.
Why Your New Furnace Smells
There are two explanations why a new furnace might smell.
Protective Coating
Your furnace has a special application on some parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely removes gases such as carbon monoxide naturally created during the heating process.
When your furnace operates for the first couple of times, the coating may emit a burning smell. This is standard and the smell should dissipate 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 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 not running 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 necessary to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty applicable, 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 necessitate furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other smells 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 covered in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this protective coating. To avoid a fire, turn off your furnace as soon as possible and have it examined out by an HVAC technician.
- Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to alert you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off immediately, leave your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you sick, plus it’s highly flammable and explosive.
- Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew flourishing in your ductwork. We suggest having your ductwork examined and cleaned if needed.
Now that you are aware which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re well-equipped to take care of your new heater. If you’re worried about a weird odor, our House of Heating Incorporated HVAC technicians can help. Call us at 715-384-3163 to schedule your appointment now. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Marshfield and surrounding communities.