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 experience this at first. Let’s review what’s causing this smell, and when you can expect it to subside, 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 Finishing

Your furnace has a special finish on certain 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 starts for the first couple of times, the coating may give off a burning smell. This is standard and the smell should disperse 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 is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other problems.

Dust

Dust accumulates 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 disappear within a few minutes.

One way you can decrease 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 smoothly during the upcoming heating season.

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 odors 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 issue. Electrical wiring is covered in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this protective coating. To hinder a fire, turn off your furnace right away and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies include sulfur in natural gas to alert you when there’s a problem. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off as soon as possible, leave your home and dial 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you sick, 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 advise having your ductwork inspected and cleaned if required.

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