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


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Alberta Furnace Cleaning Reviews

The servicemen were absolutely wonderful, respectful and polite. They helped me understand what was going on with the filters and they told me what they were doing step by step. Great work!!

- Marianne Darlet

Called about strange burning smell coming from vents, called AB Furnace, the two gentlemen were so professional, put my mind at ease and even repaired what the last furnace cleaners damaged! They educated me on maintenance and what & when to check for things. Cost was way below value, had a wonderful experience and booked them for my next cleaning. Outstanding service!Service: Heating system maintenance

- Andrea N

Amazing customer service. Bogdan was very thorough and explained everything perfectly and was very nice. My carpets smell amazing. The other guys who cleaned our ducts were very relaxed and patient when I realized I was given the wrong key to the house and couldn't get in on time. Highly recommended. :)

- Milica L

Wonderful experience with Alberta Furnace Cleaning. Guys showed up on time, ready to work. Very polite and professional. They got the job done well in a timely manner with very minimal mess. They even laid down mats so their shoes didn't get my floors dirty. Very impressed, would definitely use their services again.

- Edmonton Mama

Reasonable rates, however I wasn't present at time of appointment. My wife felt they were too quick doing the job. Thought they didn't spend enough time on the troubled areas. However over all did a decent job.

- RW Inness

I used Alberta Furnace Cleaning to clean our our dryer vent. I found them to be very professional and responsive. It was easy to get them on the phone and they explained all the available options. The day of the appointment they arrived exactly when they said they would. The job was completed efficiently and they were all too happy to answer any questions I had. I also received a follow up call from them a couple days after the work was performed just to check that I was happy with everything. Overall, it was a great experience and I’ll be using them for future HVAC or carpet cleaning.

- Jason Sheard