Burning Smells Coming From Furnace and Ducts?

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?

It is a light dusty burning smell
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.
The smell should be quite mild
The smell should not smell like burning plastic or melting metal
There should not be any smoke
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

A big shout out to Andrew and Aaron from Alberta Furnace Cleaning. My husband and I had recently renovated our home and were noticing a fine dust on everything that I couldn’t keep up with. Andrew and Aaron came in and cleaned the furnace, air conditioning unit and all the duct work. It was shocking to see what the found - construction debris, dog toys, tennis balls etc. They definitely have the equipment to thoroughly clean the mechanical and duct work. Both workers used care in removing vent covers, and cleaned all surfaces, properly replacing the grills when done. They were on time, efficient, polite and respectful of ourselves and our home. I could not be happier.

- Kerri Davis

Professional and Excellent Service! The team explained the entire process clearly and even showed me how dusty the furnace was. They performed their duties meticulously, ensuring everything was cleaned thoroughly. Highly recommend their services!

- SB

I recently had Alberta Furnace Cleaning come over to clean my furnace and ducts, and they did an amazing job! They were super quick but still really thorough. The team was also very friendly and easy to talk to. I’m really happy with their service and would definitely recommend them to anyone needing their furnace or ducts cleaned.

- Larysa Bilous

Great experience from start to finish. Easy to schedule, great communication and helpful information provided in advance. The techs were friendly, professional, and sweet. My house smells cleaner and it was money well spent. Will be booking again in a couple years for the next clean!

- Kelly Johnston

Alberta Furnace Cleaning and its awesome crew, Jospeh, Salvador and Ali, did a wonderful job! They were very informative, so personable and efficient! We also appreciated their concern and attentiveness with our pets and our home! Highly recommended!

- Anna Dawson

I recently had my furnace cleaned by this company and I couldn't be happier with the service. The technician was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything to me. The price was very reasonable compared to other companies in the area. I highly recommend them for any furnace cleaning needs.

- Rewa Arabi

Burning Smells Coming from Furnace and Ducts