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 have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s causing this smell, and when you can anticipate it to go away, 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 stink.

Protective Finishing

Your furnace has a special coating on specific parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely exhausts gases including carbon monoxide naturally created during the heating process.

When your furnace runs for the first couple of times, the coating may emit a burning smell. This is normal and the smell should dissipate the more your furnace runs.

To be on the safe side, you’ll want to call 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 issues.

Dust

Dust accumulates inside your furnace when it’s not running in the spring and 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 decrease or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every year. This is needed to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty good, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run smoothly during the upcoming heating season.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss

While it’s less common for a new system to need furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other scents 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 protected in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this precautionary 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 add sulfur to natural gas to signal you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off right away, get out of your home and dial 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you unwell, 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 examined and cleaned if required.

Now that you are aware which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re well-equipped to take care of your new heating system. If you’re worried about a strange odor, our Paniccia Heating & Cooling HVAC technicians can help you. Call us at 219-872-2198 to schedule your appointment right now. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Michigan City and surrounding neighborhoods.