Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now having a strange 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 expect it to go away, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t disregard.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two reasons why a new furnace might smell.

Protective Finish

Your furnace has a special application on certain 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 release a burning smell. This is standard and the smell should go away the more your furnace heats.

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 concerns.

Dust

Dust accumulates inside your furnace when it’s not running in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you switch on your furnace in the fall, making 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 needed to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run properly during the upcoming heating period.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss

While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it happens. 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 protected in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this protective coating. To prevent a fire, shut 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, get out of your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you sick, plus it’s very flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew flourishing in your ductwork. We advise having your ductwork examined and cleaned if required.

Now that you know 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 a weird odor, our Air Masters Heating & Cooling HVAC technicians can help. Contact us at 360-205-7115 to schedule your appointment today. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Port Orchard and surrounding communities.