Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now experiencing a strange smell? You’re not alone, because plenty of other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s creating this smell, and when you can look forward to it to disappear, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t ignore.
Why Your New Furnace Smells
There are two factors why a new furnace might smell.
Protective Finish
Your furnace has a special application on some parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely exhausts gases like 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 heats.
To be on the safe side, you’ll want to connect with a heating and cooling company if the smell persists. A burning smell that remains can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other problems.
Dust
Dust builds inside your furnace when it’s not running in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you flip on your furnace in the fall, creating a burning smell. This smell should disappear within a few minutes.
One way you can reduce or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every year. This is necessary 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 Disregard
While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other odors 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 coated in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is a signal that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To avoid a fire, turn off your furnace right away and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
- Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to signal you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off as soon as possible, evacuate your home and call 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 growing in your ductwork. We suggest having your ductwork examined and cleaned if necessary.
Now that you are aware which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re prepared to take care of your new furnace. If you have concerns about an odd odor, our Kapaun & Brown HVAC technicians can assist you. Give us a call at 641-812-2028 to schedule your appointment right now. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Marshalltown and surrounding areas.