Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now noticing a strange smell? You’re not alone, because many other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s leading to this smell, and when you can anticipate it to go away, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t neglect.
Why Your New Furnace Smells
There are two factors why a new furnace might stink.
Protective Coating
Your furnace has a special coating 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 runs for the first couple of times, the coating may emit 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 continues. A burning smell that sticks around can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other concerns.
Dust
Dust builds inside your furnace when it’s idle in the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you switch on your furnace in the fall, creating 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 single year. This is required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty applicable, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run properly during the upcoming heating time of year.
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 issue. Electrical wiring is coated in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To prevent a fire, shut off your furnace immediately and have it examined out by an HVAC technician.
- Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to signal you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off immediately, get out of your home and dial 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you sick, plus it’s extremely flammable and explosive.
- 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 know which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re ready to take care of your new furnace. If you have concerns about a strange odor, our Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning HVAC technicians can help you. Call us at 734-284-1224 to schedule your appointment today. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Wyandotte and surrounding communities.
