Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now having a weird smell? You’re not alone, because many other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s causing 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 explanations why a new furnace might stink.

Protective Coating

Your furnace has a special application on certain 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 give off 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 call a heating and cooling company if the smell lingers. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor has overheated or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.

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 single year. This is required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run properly during the upcoming heating period.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Ignore

While it’s less common for a new system to necessitate furnace repair, it can happen. 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 issue. Electrical wiring is protected in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To avoid a fire, turn off your furnace as soon as possible and have it examined out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to alert 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 call 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 recommend having your ductwork examined and cleaned if required.

Now that you understand 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 weird odor, our Air Alliance Team HVAC technicians can help. Contact us at 636-206-4250 to schedule your appointment now. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Ballwin and St. Charles and surrounding communities.