Have you recently had a new furnace set up and are now having a weird smell? You're not alone, because many other homeowners also have this happen at first. Let’s review what’s causing this smell, and when you can anticipate it to go away, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t neglect.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two factors why a new furnace might smell.

Protective Finish

Your furnace has a special finish on specific parts to keep them from rusting. This may include the heat exchanger, which safely exhausts gases such as carbon monoxide naturally made during the heating process.

When your furnace runs for the first couple of times, the coating may give off a burning smell. This is typical and the smell should go away 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 continues. A burning smell that lingers can mean the motor has overheated or there’s an electrical problem, among other concerns.

Dust

Dust collects inside your furnace when it’s idle in the summer. That dust will burn off when you turn on your furnace in the fall, producing a burning smell. This smell should subside within a few minutes.

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

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Disregard

While it’s less common for a new system to require furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other odors you should keep an eye 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 coated in plastic to prevent shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this preventive coating. To hinder a fire, shut off your furnace right away and have it checked out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to alert you when there’s a leak. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, turn it off right away, get out of 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 examined and cleaned if required.

Now that you are aware which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re prepared to take care of your new heating system. If you have concerns about a strange odor, our Rescue Heating & Air HVAC technicians can assist you. Call us at 361-265-4371 to schedule your appointment right now. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in Alice and surrounding neighborhoods.