Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now noticing a strange smell? You’re not alone, because many other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s causing this smell, and when you can anticipate 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 stink.

Protective Finish

Your furnace has a special application on some 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 starts for the first couple of times, the coating may give off a burning smell. This is standard and the smell should dissipate the more your furnace runs.

To be on the safe side, you’ll want to call a heating and cooling company if the smell persists. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.

Dust

Dust accumulates inside your furnace when it’s not running in warm weather. 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 decrease or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty good, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run perfectly during the upcoming heating season.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss

While it’s less common for a new system to necessitate furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other scents 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 covered in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this protective coating. To prevent a fire, switch 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 leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off right away, get out of your home and dial 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s highly 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 ready to take care of your new heater. If you’re worried about an odd odor, our Integrity AC & Heating LLC HVAC technicians can help you. Call us at 602-971-0567 to schedule your appointment now. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Phoenix and surrounding areas.