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

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

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

The two technicians were fantastic. They communicated details of the process making it easy to understand. Very polite and took care while performing the cleaning. Would highly recommend to anyone.

- Geoffrey Park

We had our vents, dryer hose, and furnace cleaned today. Top notch service. The gentlemen that came into my home were professional, courteous and very clean. They explained everything they were going to do before they did it and had my approval. Very impressed with Giyeon and Roberto. Great job - I am definitely recommending their company and these two employees.

- Susan Babych-Manchak

They called in advance, came on time, were really quick and efficient. I really appreciate their concern for my animals and they explained everything before they started. Great people and they did a really great job for an excellent price. Would recommend and will absolutely call them again.

- Crystal Moore

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