Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now having an unusual smell? You're not alone, because plenty 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 go away, 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 stink.

Protective Finishing

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

When your furnace operates for the first couple of times, the coating may release 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 persists. A burning smell that sticks around can mean the motor is too hot or there’s an electrical problem, among other problems.

Dust

Dust builds inside your furnace when it’s off in warm weather. That dust will burn off when you flip on your furnace in the fall, producing 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 each year. This is required to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty good, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run perfectly during the upcoming heating time of year.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss

While it’s less common for a new system to need furnace repair, it happens. Here are three other scents 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 prevent shocks, and this smell is a sign that heat is melting this preventive coating. To prevent a fire, switch off your furnace immediately and have it inspected out by an HVAC technician.
  2. Gas or rotten eggs. Gas companies add sulfur to natural gas to warn you when there’s a leakage. If your furnace smells like gas or rotten eggs, shut it off immediately, evacuate your home and call 911. Exposure to natural gas can make you unwell, plus it’s highly 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 checked and cleaned if needed.

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're worried about an odd odor, our Miller Climate Control LLC HVAC technicians can help. Contact us at 512-937-2001 to schedule your appointment today. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in Georgetown and surrounding neighborhoods.