Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now experiencing an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because a lot of other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s creating 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 reasons why a new furnace might stink.

Protective Coating

Your furnace has a special finish on specific parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely gets rid of gases such as carbon monoxide naturally produced 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 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 lingers. A burning smell that remains 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 the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you switch on your furnace in the fall, making a burning smell. This smell should subside within a few minutes.

One way you can lessen or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every year. This is needed to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, 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 require furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other odors you should watch 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 protect against shocks, and this smell is a signal that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To avoid a fire, shut off your furnace as soon as possible and have it examined out by an HVAC technician.
  2. 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 right away, get out of your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you sick, plus it’s very flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew growing 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 ready to take care of your new heater. If you’re worried about a strange odor, our AW Heating & Air Conditioning HVAC technicians can help. Contact us at 402-438-7992 to schedule your appointment right now. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Lincoln and surrounding communities.