Burning Smells Coming from Furnace and Ducts

*Sniff*...What's that smell?

Please note: we do not repair or replace furnace components. If you are concerned about your heating system’s operation, please contact A1 Heating, our trusted referral partner for installation and repair services

Smells like burning…

For people who have lived in Alberta for a while, there’s a special smell that signals the coming of fall. It’s not leaves or dirt or rain or snow – it’s the dusty burning smell you get sometime in late August or early September, when your furnace turns on for the first time in a few months and the dust that has settled on your heat exchanger burns off.

This is the smell that for many people also signals the need to book a furnace & duct cleaning.

What is a “normal” season change smell?

  1. It is a light dusty burning smell
  2. The smell should be temporary – it should only happen for a short while after your furnace kicks in for the season, and should not persist after the first day.
  3. The smell should be quite mild
  4. The smell should not smell like burning plastic or melting metal
  5. There should not be any smoke
  6. It might not necessarily mean you need a cleaning – most homes need a cleaning every 2-3 years. If you have had your furnace cleaned more recently but get this smell, it might just be a signal that there’s a small amount of dust burning.

If you have a burning smell coming from your heating system that does not fit this description, you should urgently seek professional assistance. If there is smoke, or a gas smell, you should get to safety and call emergency services.


Normal seasonal cleaning needed? Book now or give us a call at 780-444-3828


Let’s get you booked for a furnace cleaning

Book Your Cleaning

Alberta Furnace Cleaning Reviews

This company knows their stuff, provides great customer service and excellent work. I’m totally happy with how the two very friendly annd knowledgeable associates cleaned my furnace, vents, dryer vent and AC coil. I will certainly book my next appointment with them.

- Mark

The technicians were efficient and very friendly. They explained what they how and what they were doing. The only thing was there was some sort of residue left on the concrete from their truck all the way to our front door that was not there before they arrived. (Dark stains on our driveway, walkway and front steps leading into the house).

- Maureen Miyagishima

I had an excellent experience with Alberta Furnace Cleaning. They promptly arrived on the first working day of the year, despite the cold weather. Their team provided detailed explanations regarding the service performed and offered helpful tips for maintaining my units. I am confident that I will book with them again in the next few years.

- Ramir L

The men who did the work were extremely friendly and professional. They were sure to introduce themselves to each of us properly. They explained everything they were doing and even showed us before and after pictures. They were very respectful of our home and used boots covers each time even when going back and forth from outside to in. They cleaned and wiped up their work areas before they left, which was very appreciated. We would hire them again, without hesitation.

- Melanie Collins

Alberta Furnace crews are professional and thorough from appointment to home service. I had my furnace serviced by someone else before and I can say that Alberta Furnace is far better. They protect the corners, walls and floors of the house and leave no marks behind. Their equipments are state-of-the-art. The best in what they do! Price is fair as well.

- Antonio Jr Reyes

TEXT US