Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now noticing an unusual smell? You're not alone, because a lot of other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s creating this smell, and when you can look forward to it to disappear, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t ignore.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two factors why a new furnace might reek.

Protective Finishing

Your furnace has a special coating on specific parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely removes gases such as carbon monoxide naturally produced 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 disperse the more your furnace heats.

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 remains can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other concerns.

Dust

Dust builds inside your furnace when it’s idle in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you switch on your furnace in the fall, creating a burning smell. This smell should disappear within a few minutes.

One way you can reduce or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every year. This is required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty good, 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 Disregard

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 difficulties. Electrical wiring is covered in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is a signal that heat is melting this preventive coating. To hinder a fire, shut off your furnace immediately and have it examined out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to signal you when there’s a problem. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off immediately, get out of your home and contact 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 developing in your ductwork. We suggest having your ductwork checked and cleaned if needed.

Now that you understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re well-equipped to take care of your new heater. If you have concerns about a weird odor, our Air Alliance Team HVAC technicians can help you. Give us a call at 636-206-4584 to schedule your appointment now. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Ballwin and St. Charles and surrounding areas.