Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now having a weird smell? You’re not alone, because many other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s leading to this smell, and when you can look forward to it to subside, 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 exhausts gases such as carbon monoxide naturally produced during the heating process.

When your furnace starts for the first couple of times, the coating may release a burning smell. This is typical and the smell should disperse the more your furnace runs.

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

Dust

Dust builds 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 go away within a few minutes.

One way you can reduce or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run perfectly during the upcoming heating season.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Ignore

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.

  1. Burning plastic or rubber. If your furnace smells like burning plastic, you might have an electrical issue. Electrical wiring is protected in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To hinder a fire, switch off your furnace immediately and have it examined out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to signal you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off immediately, get out of your home and contact 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 growing in your ductwork. We recommend having your ductwork inspected and cleaned if necessary.

Now that you are aware which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re ready to take care of your new furnace. If you’re worried about a strange odor, our McFadden Heating & Cooling HVAC technicians can help you. Give us a call at 519-683-2339 to schedule your appointment right now. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Dresden and surrounding areas.