Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now having a weird 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 smell.

Protective Coating

Your furnace has a special application on certain parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely gets rid of gases including carbon monoxide naturally produced during the heating process.

When your furnace runs for the first couple of times, the coating may release 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 lingers. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor has overheated or there’s an electrical problem, among other concerns.

Dust

Dust collects inside your furnace when it’s off in the summer. 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 lessen or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is necessary 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 Disregard

While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other odors 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 issue. Electrical wiring is covered in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To avoid a fire, turn 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 warn you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off immediately, leave your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you unwell, plus it’s very flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew growing in your ductwork. We suggest having your ductwork examined and cleaned if needed.

Now that you know which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re well-equipped to take care of your new heater. If you're worried about an odd odor, our ACE Solutions HVAC technicians can assist you. Give us a call at 201-582-2806 to schedule your appointment today. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Hasbrouck Heights and surrounding areas.