Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now noticing a weird smell? You’re not alone, because plenty of other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s causing this smell, and when you can look forward to it to subside, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t neglect.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two factors why a new furnace might stink.

Protective Finish

Your furnace has a special application on some 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 operates for the first couple of times, the coating may release a burning smell. This is normal and the smell should dissipate the more your furnace heats.

To be on the safe side, you’ll want to call a heating and cooling company if the smell persists. A burning smell that remains 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 go away within a few minutes.

One way you can reduce or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is needed to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty good, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run properly during the upcoming heating period.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss

While it’s less common for a new system to need furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other odors 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 issue. Electrical wiring is protected in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this protective coating. To prevent a fire, switch 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 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 highly 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 necessary.

Now that you understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re well-equipped to take care of your new furnace. If you’re worried about a weird odor, our Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc HVAC technicians can help. Give us a call at 251-471-2674 to schedule your appointment today. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Mobile and surrounding areas.