Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now experiencing a strange smell? You're not alone, because plenty of other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s causing this smell, and when you can expect it to subside, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t disregard.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two explanations why a new furnace might stink.

Protective Finish

Your furnace has a special coating on certain parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely exhausts 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 dissipate 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 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 off in the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you turn on your furnace in the fall, making 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 every year. This is needed to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run perfectly 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 odors 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 avoid a fire, switch off your furnace immediately and have it examined 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, turn it off as soon as possible, leave your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you unwell, 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 suggest having your ductwork inspected and cleaned if necessary.

Now that you are aware which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re well-equipped to take care of your new heating system. If you have concerns about an odd odor, our Patterson & Stirling HVAC technicians can help. Call us at 814-308-0416 to schedule your appointment right now. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Erie and surrounding areas.