Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now having an unusual 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 anticipate it to subside, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t ignore.
Why Your New Furnace Smells
There are two reasons why a new furnace might stink.
Protective Finishing
Your furnace has a special coating on some parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely exhausts gases like carbon monoxide naturally created 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 dissipate the more your furnace runs.
To be on the safe side, you’ll want to call a heating and cooling company if the smell continues. 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 idle in the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you flip on your furnace in the fall, making a burning smell. This smell should go away within a few minutes.
One way you can decrease or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every year. This is needed to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty good, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run perfectly during the upcoming heating period.
3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss
While it’s less common for a new system to necessitate furnace repair, it can happen. 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 difficulties. Electrical wiring is protected in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this preventive coating. To avoid a fire, turn off your furnace as soon as possible and have it examined out by an HVAC technician.
- Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to alert you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off as soon as possible, leave your home and contact 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you unwell, plus it’s very flammable and explosive.
- Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew flourishing in your ductwork. We suggest having your ductwork checked and cleaned if needed.
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 Air Service Co. HVAC technicians can assist you. Contact us at 918-212-8943 to schedule your appointment today. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Muldrow and surrounding communities.
