Forum Discussion

eaton3122's avatar
eaton3122
Explorer
Oct 23, 2018

First time running furnace - smoke alarm

Planning on heading camping this weekend, and the weather will be cool enough that we will need to run the furnace. We bought our trailer over the summer, so we’ve never turned it on before. Went out this evening to make sure it was working properly, and within a couple minutes, the smoke alarm started going off. Didn’t really notice any smoke in the air, but the furnace was definitely blowing hot. Turned the furnace off. Aired out the camper, then tried again. Same result...smoke alarm went off after a couple of minutes. Is this normal when burning off the newness of the furnace?
  • RVNewbie4now's avatar
    RVNewbie4now
    Explorer
    Oct 27, 2018
    This is our first year and we ran into the same issue....twice! Turns out that you need to air the place out the first time you run the oven too! Almost choked my wife out early one morning. Lesson learned.
  • hvac's avatar
    hvac
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2018
    Funny story. On our new then ATC 28 front bedroom about 1.5 years ago. Middle of the summer. I accidentally turned the furnace on. All the alarms went off. Distant neighbor came running over and screaming is anyone in there?

    I came out and introduced myself.
  • deltabravo's avatar
    deltabravo
    Nomad
    Oct 24, 2018
    Boon Docker wrote:
    Yes, leave the door and a window open and let the furnace run for 15-20 mins. That will burn off all the oil etc from manufacturing.


    x3
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Oct 24, 2018
    Happened to me as well back in 2005 when I turned mine on for the first time. I say set it high and let run it for 10 minutes, then turn it off and let it cool. Then turn it on again and I'll bet no alarm. Leave the door and windows open though because it will stink.
  • Boon_Docker's avatar
    Boon_Docker
    Explorer III
    Oct 24, 2018
    If it took your furnace a few hours they must of soaked it in an oil bath before installing it. :B
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Oct 24, 2018
    You`re going to want more than 15-20 minutes of running. more like a few hours minimum!
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2018
    Or wait till the dog farts and the CO detector goes off! It took us a while to figure that one out!
  • BarabooBob's avatar
    BarabooBob
    Explorer III
    Oct 24, 2018
    My smoke detector did the same thing the first time I ran my furnace. I knew that it was going to happen so I was ready for it. I also burned off my stove top burners and my water heater. No problems after that.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Oct 24, 2018
    remember a battery will last just about one night, if your plugged in? no problem.
  • FLY_4_FUN's avatar
    FLY_4_FUN
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2018
    While your at it, run the oven also as it can have a similar issue but not to the extent of the furnace. Might also want to top off your LP tanks before going after letting things run a few hours....just in case. Have fun

    Daryll

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