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

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two explanations why a new furnace might reek.

Protective Finishing

Your furnace has a special application on some parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely removes gases like 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 typical and the smell should go away the more your furnace operates.

To be on the safe side, you’ll want to contact a heating and cooling company if the smell continues. 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 off in the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you flip on your furnace in the fall, producing a burning smell. This smell should go away within a few minutes.

One way you can lessen 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 perfectly during the upcoming heating period.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Disregard

While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other smells 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 problem. Electrical wiring is protected in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this protective 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 include sulfur in natural gas to warn you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off as soon as possible, evacuate your home and contact 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you unwell, plus it’s very flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew developing in your ductwork. We advise having your ductwork examined and cleaned if needed.

Now that you understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re prepared to take care of your new heater. If you have concerns about a weird odor, our All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc HVAC technicians can help you. Give us a call at 256-801-4701 to schedule your appointment today. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Huntsville and surrounding communities.