Have you recently had a new furnace installed and are now experiencing 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 anticipate it to disappear, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t neglect.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two explanations why a new furnace might smell.

Protective Finish

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

When your furnace runs for the first couple of times, the coating may emit a burning smell. This is standard and the smell should dissipate 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 continues. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other concerns.

Dust

Dust accumulates inside your furnace when it’s not running in the spring and 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 lessen or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is needed to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty good, 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 necessitate furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other smells 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 issue. Electrical wiring is coated in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this protective coating. To prevent a fire, switch off your furnace as soon as possible 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 problem. 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 unwell, plus it’s highly 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 inspected and cleaned if needed.

Now that you know which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re ready to take care of your new heating system. If you have concerns about an odd odor, our Titan Heating & Air Conditioning HVAC technicians can assist you. Contact us at 541-286-6617 to schedule your appointment now. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Central Point and surrounding neighborhoods.