Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now experiencing an unusual 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 anticipate it to subside, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t ignore.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two factors why a new furnace might stink.

Protective Finish

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

When your furnace starts 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 call a heating and cooling company if the smell continues. A burning smell that sticks around can mean the motor has overheated or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.

Dust

Dust accumulates inside your furnace when it’s not running in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you flip on your furnace in the fall, making a burning smell. This smell should subside within a few minutes.

One way you can decrease or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is necessary to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty applicable, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run properly during the upcoming heating period.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Disregard

While it’s less common for a new system to necessitate furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other scents 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 difficulties. Electrical wiring is covered in plastic to protect against shocks, and this smell is a signal that heat is melting this preventive coating. To prevent a fire, shut 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 warn you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off immediately, get out of your home and call 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 advise having your ductwork checked and cleaned if necessary.

Now that you know which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re ready to take care of your new furnace. If you have concerns about an odd odor, our Tri City Fuel & Heating HVAC technicians can help. Contact us at 803-265-4208 to schedule your appointment today. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in West Columbia and surrounding communities.