Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now experiencing an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because plenty of other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s creating this smell, and when you can expect it to subside, 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 stink.
Protective Finish
Your furnace has a special finish on some parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely exhausts gases such as carbon monoxide naturally made during the heating process.
When your furnace operates for the first couple of times, the coating may emit a burning smell. This is standard and the smell should disperse the more your furnace heats.
To be on the safe side, you’ll want to contact a heating and cooling company if the smell continues. A burning smell that remains can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.
Dust
Dust builds inside your furnace when it’s off in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you switch on your furnace in the fall, producing 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 year. This is required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty applicable, 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 smells 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 difficulties. Electrical wiring is covered in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To avoid a fire, switch off your furnace immediately and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
- Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to warn you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off as soon as possible, leave your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you sick, plus it’s very flammable and explosive.
- Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew flourishing in your ductwork. We advise having your ductwork inspected 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 a strange odor, our Fire & Ice HVAC HVAC technicians can help you. Call us at 703-365-0505 to schedule your appointment now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Manassas and surrounding areas.
