Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now noticing a strange smell? You're not alone, because plenty of other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s leading to 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 reek.

Protective Coating

Your furnace has a special coating on some parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely removes gases such as carbon monoxide naturally made during the heating process.

When your furnace operates for the first couple of times, the coating may give off a burning smell. This is typical and the smell should disperse 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 sticks around can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.

Dust

Dust builds inside your furnace when it’s idle in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you flip 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 single year. This is necessary to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty applicable, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run properly during the upcoming heating period.

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 odors 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 covered in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this protective coating. To hinder a fire, shut off your furnace right away and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to warn you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off as soon as possible, 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 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 furnace. If you have concerns about an odd odor, our Air Temperature Control HVAC technicians can help you. Call us at 478-202-3170 to schedule your appointment today. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Macon and surrounding communities.