Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now having a strange smell? You’re not alone, because plenty of other homeowners also experience this 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 neglect.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two reasons why a new furnace might smell.

Protective Finishing

Your furnace has a special application on some parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely removes gases like 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 typical and the smell should disperse the more your furnace operates.

To be on the safe side, you’ll want to contact 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 concerns.

Dust

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

One way you can lessen 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 perfectly 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 smells 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 problem. Electrical wiring is coated in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this protective coating. To avoid a fire, shut 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 problem. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off right away, get out of your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you sick, plus it’s very flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew developing in your ductwork. We recommend having your ductwork inspected and cleaned if necessary.

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 a strange odor, our Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning HVAC technicians can help. Give us a call at 204-272-8128 to schedule your appointment now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Winnipeg and surrounding communities.