Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now noticing an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because a lot of other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s causing 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 explanations why a new furnace might reek.

Protective Finish

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

When your furnace runs for the first couple of times, the coating may emit a burning smell. This is normal and the smell should go away the more your furnace runs.

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

Dust

Dust collects inside your furnace when it’s not running in the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you flip on your furnace in the fall, producing a burning smell. This smell should go away 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 smoothly during the upcoming heating season.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss

While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it can happen. 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 problem. Electrical wiring is coated in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is a signal that heat is melting this protective coating. To prevent a fire, shut off your furnace right away and have it inspected out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to signal you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off immediately, get out of your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you unwell, 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 recommend having your ductwork checked 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 furnace. If you’re worried about an odd odor, our Precision Mechanical HVAC technicians can help. Contact us at 605-206-3766 to schedule your appointment right now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Rapid City and surrounding communities.