Have you recently had a new furnace put in and are now having an unusual smell? You’re not alone, because many other homeowners also experience this at first. Let’s review what’s leading to this smell, and when you can anticipate it to disappear, 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 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 like carbon monoxide naturally created during the heating process.

When your furnace starts for the first couple of times, the coating may release a burning smell. This is standard 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 lingers can mean the motor has overheated or there’s an electrical problem, among other problems.

Dust

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

One way you can decrease or prevent this smell is by having furnace maintenance done each year. This is necessary to keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, plus it keeps your furnace clean and ensures it will run properly during the upcoming heating season.

3 Other Furnace Smells You Shouldn’t Dismiss

While it’s less common for a new system to necessitate furnace repair, it can happen. Here are three other odors you should watch 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 an indication that heat is melting this precautionary coating. To avoid a fire, switch off your furnace right away and have it examined 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 dial 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 flourishing in your ductwork. We suggest having your ductwork examined and cleaned if necessary.

Now that you know 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 a weird odor, our Select Comfort Systems HVAC technicians can assist you. Contact us at 801-305-4777 to schedule your appointment today. We provide quality, affordable furnace repair in West Valley City and surrounding areas.