Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now experiencing an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because plenty of other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s leading to this smell, and when you can expect it to disappear, 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 smell.

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 made during the heating process.

When your furnace starts 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 contact a heating and cooling company if the smell persists. A burning smell that remains can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.

Dust

Dust builds inside your furnace when it’s not running in the spring and summer. 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 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 season.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Disregard

While it’s less common for a new system to necessitate furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other smells you should look out for and what they might mean.

  1. Burning plastic or rubber. If your furnace smells like burning plastic, you might have an electrical issue. Electrical wiring is covered in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this protective coating. To prevent a fire, switch off your furnace immediately and have it checked 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, evacuate your home and contact 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s extremely flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew growing in your ductwork. We recommend having your ductwork checked and cleaned if necessary.

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 have concerns about a strange odor, our Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC HVAC technicians can help you. Call us at 715-318-6728 to schedule your appointment today. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Ellsworth and surrounding neighborhoods.