Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now having an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because many other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s creating this smell, and when you can expect it to go away, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t ignore.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two explanations why a new furnace might smell.

Protective Finishing

Your furnace has a special finish on specific parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely removes gases including carbon monoxide naturally created 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 go away the more your furnace runs.

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 issues.

Dust

Dust collects inside your furnace when it’s idle in the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you switch on your furnace in the fall, creating a burning smell. This smell should subside within a few minutes.

One way you can decrease or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every year. This is necessary to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty applicable, 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 need furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other scents you should watch 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 prevent shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this protective coating. To prevent a fire, shut off your furnace right away and have it examined out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to signal you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off immediately, evacuate your home and call 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 developing in your ductwork. We suggest having your ductwork examined and cleaned if necessary.

Now that you know which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re ready to take care of your new heating system. If you’re worried about a strange odor, our Woody's Sudden Service HVAC technicians can help. Contact us at 703-278-2036 to schedule your appointment now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Manassas and surrounding communities.