Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now experiencing a strange smell? You're not alone, because plenty 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 ignore.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two factors why a new furnace might stink.

Protective Coating

Your furnace has a special application on some 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 runs for the first couple of times, the coating may emit a burning smell. This is standard and the smell should go away the more your furnace operates.

To be on the safe side, you’ll want to contact 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 builds inside your furnace when it’s off in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you switch on your furnace in the fall, making a burning smell. This smell should disappear within a few minutes.

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

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Ignore

While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other scents 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 covered in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is a signal that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To avoid a fire, turn off your furnace as soon as possible and have it inspected 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 as soon as possible, evacuate your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s very flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew developing in your ductwork. We suggest having your ductwork examined 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 furnace. If you're worried about a weird odor, our Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating HVAC technicians can help you. Contact us at 815-933-8213 to schedule your appointment right now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Kankakee and surrounding neighborhoods.