Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now experiencing a weird smell? You're not alone, because a lot of other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s leading to this smell, and when you can look forward to it to disappear, 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 smell.

Protective Finish

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

When your furnace operates for the first couple of times, the coating may emit a burning smell. This is typical and the smell should dissipate the more your furnace heats.

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

Dust

Dust builds inside your furnace when it’s not running 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 disappear within a few minutes.

One way you can lessen 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 smoothly during the upcoming heating period.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss

While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other smells 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 difficulties. Electrical wiring is covered in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is a signal that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To prevent 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 add sulfur to natural gas to signal you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off right away, evacuate your home and contact 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you ill, plus it’s extremely flammable and explosive.
  3. Musty. If your furnace smells musty, you might have mold and mildew developing in your ductwork. We advise having your ductwork inspected and cleaned if necessary.

Now that you understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re prepared to take care of your new furnace. If you have concerns about a weird odor, our Air-Right Energy Design HVAC technicians can help. Contact us at 703-260-1148 to schedule your appointment today. We supply quality, affordable furnace repair in Manassas and surrounding communities.