Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now having an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because a lot of other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s creating this smell, and when you can anticipate it to disappear, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t ignore.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two reasons why a new furnace might smell.

Protective Coating

Your furnace has a special coating on some parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely removes gases like 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 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 persists. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other concerns.

Dust

Dust accumulates 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, 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 every year. This is required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty applicable, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run smoothly during the upcoming heating season.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Disregard

While it’s less common for a new system to necessitate furnace repair, it happens. 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 issue. Electrical wiring is coated in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this preventive coating. To avoid a fire, switch off your furnace right away and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to warn you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off right away, get out of your home and dial 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you sick, 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 advise having your ductwork inspected and cleaned if needed.

Now that you know which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re prepared to take care of your new heater. If you’re worried about a weird odor, our JW Brager Heating and Cooling HVAC technicians can help you. Call us at 608-447-0555 to schedule your appointment today. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Mount Horeb and surrounding communities.