Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now experiencing a weird smell? You’re not alone, because plenty of other homeowners also experience this 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 ignore.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two factors why a new furnace might smell.

Protective Finish

Your furnace has a special finish on certain parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely removes gases such as carbon monoxide naturally created during the heating process.

When your furnace runs for the first couple of times, the coating may give off 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 continues. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor has overheated or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.

Dust

Dust collects inside your furnace when it’s not running in the summer. That dust will burn off when you flip 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 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 smells 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 difficulties. Electrical wiring is covered in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To prevent a fire, switch off your furnace right away and have it examined out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to warn you when there’s a problem. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off as soon as possible, get out of your home and contact 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s highly flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew flourishing in your ductwork. We advise having your ductwork examined and cleaned if required.

Now that you know which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re prepared to take care of your new heating system. If you’re worried about an odd odor, our Freed Heating & Air Conditioning HVAC technicians can assist you. Contact us at 309-323-9584 to schedule your appointment right now. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Moline and surrounding communities.