Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now having an unusual 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 go away, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t neglect.
Why Your New Furnace Smells
There are two explanations why a new furnace might reek.
Protective Coating
Your furnace has a special coating on specific parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely removes gases like carbon monoxide naturally made 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 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 persists. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other concerns.
Dust
Dust collects inside your furnace when it’s idle in the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you flip on your furnace in the fall, producing a burning smell. This smell should subside within a few minutes.
One way you can lessen or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty applicable, 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 require furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other smells you should look out for and what they might mean.
- Burning plastic or rubber. If your furnace smells like burning plastic, you might have an electrical issue. Electrical wiring is covered in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is a signal that heat is melting this protective coating. To prevent a fire, shut off your furnace immediately and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
- Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to warn you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off right away, evacuate your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s highly flammable and explosive.
- Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew flourishing in your ductwork. We recommend having your ductwork checked and cleaned if necessary.
Now that you know which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re prepared to take care of your new heating system. If you have concerns about an odd odor, our Tru Air Systems LLC HVAC technicians can help you. Call us at 505-226-3525 to schedule your appointment right now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Albuquerque and surrounding areas.