Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now experiencing a weird smell? You’re not alone, because many other homeowners also have this happen 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 disregard.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two factors why a new furnace might reek.

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 such as carbon monoxide naturally created during the heating process.

When your furnace starts for the first couple of times, the coating may release a burning smell. This is standard and the smell should dissipate the more your furnace runs.

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 sticks around can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other problems.

Dust

Dust accumulates inside your furnace when it’s idle in the summer. That dust will burn off when you turn on your furnace in the fall, creating a burning smell. This smell should disappear 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 applicable, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run perfectly 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 can happen. Here are three other smells you should keep an eye out for and what they might mean.

  1. Burning plastic or rubber. If your furnace smells like burning plastic, you might have an electrical difficulties. Electrical wiring is protected in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is a signal that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To avoid a fire, shut off your furnace right away and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to alert you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off right away, get out of your home and dial 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s extremely flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew growing in your ductwork. We recommend having your ductwork inspected and cleaned if required.

Now that you understand 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 an odd odor, our Parker County Cooling & Heating HVAC technicians can assist you. Contact us at 817-380-5213 to schedule your appointment right now. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Weatherford and surrounding areas.