Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now experiencing a strange smell? You’re not alone, because a lot of other homeowners also experience this 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 neglect.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two explanations why a new furnace might stink.

Protective Finish

Your furnace has a special coating on some 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 operates for the first couple of times, the coating may release a burning smell. This is typical and the smell should dissipate the more your furnace heats.

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 sticks around 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 idle in the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you switch 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 each year. This is necessary to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty good, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run smoothly during the upcoming heating period.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss

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 problem. Electrical wiring is coated in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this protective coating. To prevent a fire, turn off your furnace as soon as possible and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
  2. 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, shut it off as soon as possible, evacuate your home and dial 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you sick, plus it’s extremely 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 examined 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 furnace. If you have concerns about an odd odor, our Superior Air Repair HVAC technicians can assist you. Call us at 979-775-8700 to schedule your appointment right now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Bryan and surrounding neighborhoods.