Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now experiencing a weird 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 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 stink.

Protective Coating

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 like carbon monoxide naturally created during the heating process.

When your furnace starts for the first couple of times, the coating may give off a burning smell. This is standard and the smell should go away the more your furnace operates.

To be on the safe side, you’ll want to contact a heating and cooling company if the smell continues. A burning smell that remains can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other problems.

Dust

Dust accumulates inside your furnace when it’s idle in the summer. That dust will burn off when you turn on your furnace in the fall, producing a burning smell. This smell should disappear within a few minutes.

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

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Disregard

While it’s less common for a new system to need furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other scents you should keep an eye out for and what they might mean.

  1. Burning plastic or rubber. If your furnace smells like burning plastic, you might have an electrical problem. Electrical wiring is coated in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is a signal that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To avoid 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 as soon as possible, 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 developing in your ductwork. We advise having your ductwork checked and cleaned if necessary.

Now that you understand 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 weird odor, our McFadden Heating & Cooling HVAC technicians can assist you. Contact us at 519-683-2339 to schedule your appointment right now. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Dresden and surrounding areas.