New installed heat pump?

[rcarpenter02]

is it normal to have a burning smell after a new install? I just got new copper and the smell is out of the vents when the unit is heating. It smells like a something strange maybe burnt? It still smells like that the day after the install?

[tigerdunes]

carpenter

The condition you describe is not normal but in fact is common after a new install.

Is the smell perhaps petroleum type?

If so, installers should have wiped air handler clean as possible. This may be just burning off and the smell should go away fairly quickly. If it doesn't, then call installer back out to take a look.

IMO

[thermojohn]

is it normal to have a burning smell after a new install? I just got new copper and the smell is out of the vents when the unit is heating. It smells like a something strange maybe burnt? It still smells like that the day after the install?

The smell you are noticing is most likely the Aux heat strips burning off manufacturing oils. The heat strips come on automatically when your thermostat or defrost cycle calls for them.

The smell should go away after several heat strip cycles.

[trouble time]

Call the installers back. There is something not right about that. A little smell after the first initial start up, after that you should not smell anything.

[rcarpenter02]

It was installed on Friday and its Sunday still smells out of the vents. The smell is something hard to explain but like a burning of something. I am starting to get concerned. If the installer doesnt do anything about this what can I do?

[Special Ed]

Wait for the dust to burn off of the heat strips & you'll be fine. Stop panicking.

The guys who're telling you something drastic is wrong sound like they may be "newer".

[rcarpenter02]

This is when it is on heat mode no heat strips on. No Aux. heat is on just heat pump heat?

[grasshopper]

You do not say where in the country you are? Do you have electric back-up or is there a gas furnace back-up? How cold is it there? Some furnaces can smell while they burn off the factory oil also. If you are up here by me then your heatpump might not be running and the furnace is. Do you see any film or smoke comming from the vents?

[thermojohn]

This is when it is on heat mode no heat strips on. No Aux. heat is on just heat pump heat?

Your heat strips come on more than you realize. One of them you can't control is when it goes into defrost.

There is a small chance there could be something cooking on your strips. Sometimes, mastic will drop on the strips during the install or there could be something blown against them that got sucked in from the blower. One of the strips could be stuck on. The radiant heat from the strips could be creating an odor from the materials next to them. There is always 'a chance' of something out of the ordinary. If you are indeed concerned, call your install co, and have them take a look see.

[isuredo]

if it smells like a new toaster its probly normal, BUT, if you have any concerns dont hesitate to call the contractor, who should service what he sells and take care of any questions/concerns you have