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 experience this at first. Let’s review what’s causing this smell, and when you can look forward to it to disappear, as well as three other furnace smells you shouldn’t neglect.

Why Your New Furnace Smells

There are two reasons why a new furnace might smell.

Protective Coating

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

When your furnace operates for the first couple of times, the coating may emit a burning smell. This is normal 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 continues. A burning smell that sticks around 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 not running in the spring and summer. That dust will burn off when you flip on your furnace in the fall, creating a burning smell. This smell should go away within a few minutes.

One way you can decrease or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is needed to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty good, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run properly 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 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 protected in plastic to avoid shocks, and this smell is an indication that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To avoid a fire, shut off your furnace as soon as possible and have it checked 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, turn it off as soon as possible, leave your home and contact 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 understand which furnace smells are normal and which ones aren’t, you’re well-equipped to take care of your new heating system. If you’re worried about an odd odor, our Contra Costa Heating & AC HVAC technicians can help. Call us at 510-343-9841 to schedule your appointment right now. We offer quality, affordable furnace repair in The Bay Area and surrounding areas.