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

Recently had my furnace cleaning done. The fellas were great! They called ahead of time so I could put the pup outside, they were polite and quick. When they came inside they wore protective booties so they kept the floors clean. They also fixed my dryer lint trap when cleaning out the dryer!! It was missing a screw so the lint was going where it wasn’t supposed to. They also let me know that having both furnace and a/c, my filters should be changed 2x a year - not something I was ever told by furnace install company who “services” my furnace on a paid plan! So Alberta Furnace probably saved me a lot of money and headache down the road. 10/10 would definitely recommend this company and crew. Will definitely use them again.

- Falon Malec

Joseph and his partner cleaned my furnace and dryer vent with absolutely no issues! They were efficient and very clean, and so friendly! I am so glad I went with Alberta Furnace as they were professional and so kind. Would highly recommend them to anyone :)

- Kristyn Mahoney

Burning Smells Coming from Furnace and Ducts