Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now experiencing an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because many other homeowners also have this happen 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 neglect.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two factors why a new furnace might stink.

Protective Finish

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

When your furnace starts 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 connect with 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 concerns.

Dust

Dust collects 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, making a burning smell. This smell should go away within a few minutes.

One way you can decrease or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every single 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 time of year.

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.

  1. Burning plastic or rubber. If your furnace smells like burning plastic, you might have an electrical issue. Electrical wiring is coated in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this preventive coating. To hinder a fire, switch off your furnace immediately 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 problem. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off as soon as possible, leave 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 growing in your ductwork. We advise having your ductwork checked and cleaned if required.

Now that you understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re well-equipped to take care of your new furnace. If you’re worried about a strange odor, our Perfect Air & Water Services HVAC technicians can help you. Contact us at 848-217-4183 to schedule your appointment today. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Freehold and surrounding neighborhoods.