Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now noticing an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because many other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s causing this smell, and when you can expect it to disappear, 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 Coating

Your furnace has a special application 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 made during the heating process.

When your furnace operates for the first couple of times, the coating may release 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 call a heating and cooling company if the smell lingers. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor has overheated or there’s an electrical problem, among other problems.

Dust

Dust accumulates inside your furnace when it’s not running in the summer. That dust will burn off when you turn on your furnace in the fall, making a burning smell. This smell should disappear within a few minutes.

One way you can decrease or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run smoothly during the upcoming heating time of year.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Ignore

While it’s less common for a new system to need furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other odors 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 prevent shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this protective coating. To avoid a fire, switch off your furnace as soon as possible and have it inspected out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to alert you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off right away, evacuate 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 flourishing in your ductwork. We suggest having your ductwork checked and cleaned if required.

Now that you understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re well-equipped to take care of your new heating system. If you have concerns about a strange odor, our Comfort Zone, LLC HVAC technicians can help. Contact us at 239-214-0411 to schedule your appointment now. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Cape Coral and surrounding neighborhoods.