Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now having a strange 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 expect it to go away, 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 certain parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely gets rid of gases including carbon monoxide naturally made during the heating process.
When your furnace operates for the first couple of times, the coating may give off a burning smell. This is standard and the smell should go away 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 continues. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.
Dust
Dust collects inside your furnace when it’s off in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you switch on your furnace in the fall, creating a burning smell. This smell should go away within a few minutes.
One way you can lessen or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every single year. This is necessary to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty good, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run perfectly during the upcoming heating season.
3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss
While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other scents you should keep an eye 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 prevent shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this preventive coating. To hinder a fire, shut off your furnace as soon as possible and have it examined out by an HVAC technician.
- Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to warn you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off right away, evacuate your home and dial 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you unwell, plus it’s extremely flammable and explosive.
- Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew growing in your ductwork. We advise having your ductwork checked and cleaned if needed.
Now that you are aware which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re ready to take care of your new heating system. If you have concerns about a weird odor, our Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning HVAC technicians can help you. Contact us at 203-772-8319 to schedule your appointment now. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Derby and surrounding areas.