Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now noticing an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because a lot of other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s leading to this smell, and when you can expect it to subside, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t ignore.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two factors why a new furnace might stink.

Protective Finish

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 such as carbon monoxide naturally produced during the heating process.

When your furnace operates 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 runs.

To be on the safe side, you’ll want to connect with 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 builds inside your furnace when it’s not running in the summer. That dust will burn off when you switch on your furnace in the fall, producing 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 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 season.

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 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 difficulties. Electrical wiring is protected in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this preventive coating. To prevent a fire, turn off your furnace immediately and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to signal you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off as soon as possible, evacuate your home and contact 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 developing in your ductwork. We suggest having your ductwork checked and cleaned if needed.

Now that you know which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re ready to take care of your new furnace. If you have concerns about a strange odor, our Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning HVAC technicians can help you. Call us at 360-255-5857 to schedule your appointment right now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Arlington and surrounding communities.