Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now having an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because plenty of other homeowners also experience this 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 reasons 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 exhausts gases like carbon monoxide naturally produced during the heating process.

When your furnace runs for the first couple of times, the coating may release a burning smell. This is standard and the smell should go away 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 continues. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor has overheated or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.

Dust

Dust collects inside your furnace when it’s idle 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 subside 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 valid, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run properly during the upcoming heating time of year.

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 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 difficulties. Electrical wiring is covered in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this preventive coating. To avoid a fire, turn off your furnace immediately 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, shut it off right away, get out of your home and contact 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s very flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew growing in your ductwork. We suggest 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 ready to take care of your new furnace. If you’re worried about an odd odor, our Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning HVAC technicians can help. Give us a call at 559-255-1644 to schedule your appointment now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Fresno and surrounding areas.