Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now experiencing a weird smell? You’re not alone, because a lot of other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s leading to 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 reek.

Protective Coating

Your furnace has a special application on some parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely exhausts gases such as 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 typical and the smell should go away the more your furnace operates.

To be on the safe side, you’ll want to connect with a heating and cooling company if the smell lingers. A burning smell that remains can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other issues.

Dust

Dust builds inside your furnace when it’s off in the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you switch on your furnace in the fall, creating 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 required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty applicable, 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 Ignore

While it’s less common for a new system to need furnace repair, it can happen. 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 difficulties. Electrical wiring is protected in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this protective coating. To avoid a fire, shut 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 leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off right away, leave your home and dial 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 recommend having your ductwork examined and cleaned if required.

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 a strange odor, our Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. HVAC technicians can help you. Give us a call at 419-465-8722 to schedule your appointment right now. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Port Clinton and surrounding communities.