Why Your Oven Smells Like Gas (And What to Do About It)
You’re about to put in that big juicy roast, and you realize your oven smells like gas when preheating. What do you do? Is it an emergency? In most cases, the answer is "no." Still, it’s important to be able to recognize the difference.
Cooking with a gas oven is widely preferred by chefs from all around the world. However, gas appliances are by no means failproof. So, in order to maximize your and your family’s safety, you need to have a good eye – or, in this case, nose – for potential problems.
This guide will help you understand seven potential reasons why your oven smells like gas and how to resolve them.
First Steps When Your Oven Smells Like Gas
Again, most of the time, when your oven smells like gas, the issue will be minor and not dangerous. However, if you hear a hissing sound when your gas valve is on, it could mean a puncture in the gas tank. And if you notice the small when the oven is already on, you could be dealing with a gas leak.
This is an emergency, and you need to act fast.
First, you need to turn the oven off immediately. Next, open the windows and extinguish any flames. After doing this, grab your family and go outside, where you’ll want to quickly dial the gas company or 911. When evacuating, take care not to touch any electrical switches. This will prevent you from causing any accidental shocks, which could spark a fire.
Stay outside until the professionals give you and your family the "all clear" to return, and monitor yourself for any physical symptoms of gas inhalation, such as dizziness, headaches, or nausea.
How Gas Ranges Work
To understand why your oven smells like gas sometimes, it’s good to have a brief refresher on how gas ovens work. Like an outdoor grill, there is a gas supply and an ignition, with a supply line connecting the two. When you push the ignition, it creates a small flame that lights the gas coming out of the burners. Meanwhile, the thermostat regulates the flow of gas to control how hot the oven is at a given time.
All in all, it’s a rather simple series of mechanisms. However, there are things that can go wrong at different stages in this process.
Why Does My Oven Smell Like Gas?
#1 You Accidentally Nudged a Surface Burner On
In many cases, the cause of the gas smell filling the room is not from the oven at all, but from a burner on top. When loading the oven or moving around the kitchen, it’s not difficult to accidentally knock a knob and turn a burner to the "on" position. So, if you smell a subtle gas odor, double-check that none of your stovetop burners are accidentally on.
#2 You Have Foil (or Something Else) Covering the Vents
Lots of oven owners use aluminum foil to catch spills and make cleaning their ovens much easier later on. However, misplaced foil can sometimes block airflow, causing improper combustion and gas-like smells. If possible, avoid covering any of the oven racks completely. You should also check for any other items that might be blocking vents, including pieces of food or even forgotten utensils.
#3 Your Oven Is Dirty
A dirty oven with built-up debris and food particles can sometimes emit a gas-like smell, especially if that build-up is blocking the vents. Regular cleaning can go a long way toward preventing this. If you notice smoke or odors after a spill, clean the oven thoroughly to remove any remnants that might cause a problem later.
#4 Your Oven Was Recently Installed
Believe it or not, new ovens can emit odors from insulating materials, new parts, tape, or protective coatings. One of the best ways to solve this problem is to set the empty oven to bake at 350 degrees for one hour. However, if the odors remain, you might need to wipe down the inside with a damp cloth. If the gas problem is strong, it’s possible the installer made a mistake, and you have a leak. If you suspect this, follow the steps listed above under "First Steps When Your Oven Smells Like Gas" above.
#5 You’re Actually Smelling Odorant
In order to detect leaks, gas companies will add chemicals to natural gas, which produces a sulfur-like smell. This smell can be stronger when gas tanks are low. Typically, it should dissipate when the oven is lit. But if the smell persists, you might have a gas leak. Again, if you suspect this, follow the steps listed above under "First Steps When Your Oven Smells Like Gas" above.
#6 Your Gas Igniter is Failing
A failing gas igniter can make your oven smell like gas, especially when you first turn it on. For instance, if the igniter opens too slowly, it won’t release enough gas to light the oven flame. If you suspect this might be the culprit, it’s best to hire a local appliance repair company to come and look at the igniter and repair oven. Again, the primary symptom of a failed igniter is smelling gas as soon as you switch on the oven. After a few moments, it should go away.
#7 You Have a Gas Leak
If the smell of gas doesn’t go away after a minute or two, your problem may be a gas leak. As noted above, turn the oven off, open the windows, and evacuate the home without touching any electronic devices. Once you’re outside, check for gas poisoning symptoms and call 911.
When Your Gas Oven Smells Like Gas, Call Excellence Appliance Repair
Does your oven smell like gas, and you can’t figure out the source? Call Excellence Appliance Repair. We repair all major home appliances, regardless of where you purchased them. Our skilled technicians handle brands like Bosch, Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE, JennAir, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool.
Most important of all, we offer transparent pricing and same-day service, seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. If your oven needs attention, contact Excellence Appliance Repair for reliable and efficient service.
Date of page creation: Jun 05, 2024
Page update date: Jun 05, 2024
