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 have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s leading to this smell, and when you can look forward to it to disappear, 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 reek.

Protective Finish

Your furnace has a special finish on specific parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely exhausts gases including carbon monoxide naturally made during the heating process.

When your furnace starts for the first couple of times, the coating may emit a burning smell. This is normal and the smell should disperse the more your furnace operates.

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 remains can mean the motor has overheated or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.

Dust

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

One way you can reduce or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every single year. This is required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run smoothly 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 scents 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 avoid a fire, turn off your furnace right away and have it examined 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 right away, evacuate your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, 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 examined and cleaned if needed.

Now that you understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re ready to take care of your new furnace. If you're worried about a weird odor, our Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc HVAC technicians can help you. Give us a call at 251-471-2674 to schedule your appointment today. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Mobile and surrounding communities.