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

Benito and his partner gave exceptional service for us. They came when they said they would, were quick and efficient. We had fewer vents than first estimated so were even able to get a lower price than the initial quote. They were professional, polite and friendly. We highly recommend them if you are looking for a furnace cleaning. They also gave great advice, don't wait until the fall to clean your furnace, do it now when they have more times available and if you have air conditioning then it's good to have them clean for the summer too.

- The Real Tracie Gray

Andrew M and Roberto M were fantastic! They were super friendly from the start and they explained what they were going to do. From the booking request to the attendance of the techs everything was well communicated. I would highly suggest using this company to anyone needing to have their furnace serviced and ducts cleaned. Thanks so much!

- Amanda Amyotte

We had Edison and Roberto out to our home to clean our furnace vents and dryer. They were extremely polite, professional, thorough and efficient! They explained the entire process before they got started and even as they were working. I really appreciated the care they took to wear boot covers, lay down mats, and seal the front door. I couldn't have asked for a better customer experience! Alberta Furnace also offers competitive pricing and I was really pleased with the communication provided before and after our service. All around, a great experience with wonderful people every step of the way! Oh yeah, and clean vents too 😉

- Aimee Canepa

The crew who came out was very knowledgeable. I appreciated that they were thorough and honest. I didn’t realize the humidifier filter was a thing and they showed me it was time for a change. Overall, fast friendly service all around. Would use them again.

- Liz Kulikowski

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

- Mark

TEXT US