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

Protective Finishing

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

When your furnace operates for the first couple of times, the coating may emit 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 persists. A burning smell that remains can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other problems.

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, making a burning smell. This smell should subside within a few minutes.

One way you can reduce or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done every 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 period.

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 covered in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this protective coating. To hinder a fire, turn off your furnace right away and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to alert you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off right away, evacuate your home and dial 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 flourishing in your ductwork. We recommend having your ductwork checked 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 heating system. If you’re worried about a strange odor, our Refrigeration Systems Ltd. HVAC technicians can assist you. Call us at 778-693-2532 to schedule your appointment right now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Richmond and surrounding communities.