Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now experiencing a weird smell? You're not alone, because plenty of other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s causing this smell, and when you can look forward to it to subside, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t disregard.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two factors why a new furnace might smell.

Protective Coating

Your furnace has a special finish on certain parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely gets rid of 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 call a heating and cooling company if the smell lingers. A burning smell that remains can mean the motor has overheated or there’s an electrical problem, among other problems.

Dust

Dust accumulates inside your furnace when it’s not running in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you turn 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 each year. This is needed to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run smoothly during the upcoming heating period.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss

While it’s less common for a new system to need furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other odors you should look 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 avoid shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this protective coating. To prevent a fire, shut off your furnace right away and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to alert you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off immediately, get out of your home and dial 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 suggest having your ductwork checked and cleaned if needed.

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