Have you recently had a new furnace put in 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 causing this smell, and when you can expect it to go away, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t ignore.
Why Your New Furnace Smells
There are two explanations why a new furnace might reek.
Protective Finish
Your furnace has a special coating on certain parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely removes gases like carbon monoxide naturally made during the heating process.
When your furnace runs for the first couple of times, the coating may release a burning smell. This is typical 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 lingers. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other concerns.
Dust
Dust collects inside your furnace when it’s not running in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you flip on your furnace in the fall, creating a burning smell. This smell should subside 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 applicable, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run properly during the upcoming heating period.
3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Disregard
While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other odors 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 covered in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this preventive coating. To avoid a fire, turn off your furnace as soon as possible and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
- Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to alert you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off immediately, evacuate your home and contact 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s extremely flammable and explosive.
- Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew growing in your ductwork. We suggest having your ductwork checked and cleaned if needed.
Now that you know which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re well-equipped to take care of your new furnace. If you have concerns about a weird odor, our Wallpe Heating & Cooling HVAC technicians can assist you. Give us a call at 812-663-7252 to schedule your appointment today. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Greensburg and surrounding neighborhoods.