WHY DOES MY OVEN SMELL LIKE GAS?
Catching a whiff of gas when you use your oven may leave you wondering what to do next. Some gaseous odors are a normal part of operation, but when your oven smells like gas, a leak or faulty parts can also be to blame. Use this guide to learn more about the odors coming from an oven that’s on, off, preheating or new, and discover some possible signs of a gas leak.
Why Does My New Oven Smell Like Gas?
When you fire up your new oven, it’s possible to experience a smell. This tends to fade after a few uses.
You can typically help get rid of the odor by cleaning the interior with warm, soapy water, then drying it thoroughly and running an empty bake cycle at 350°F. Open the windows and use the vent fan to help clear the air as you run the cycle.
Why Does My Oven Smell Like Gas When Preheating?
Gas ovens kick-start the preheating process by triggering a combustion of gas at the oven’s burner. You may notice a gas smell as a result, but it should only last for the first few minutes. Electric ranges and ovens don’t emit gas, so odors you notice may come from soils or packaging residue in the oven.
Why Does My Gas Oven Smell Like Gas When It’s Off?
If you’re smelling gas when your oven’s off, the first step is to make sure the stovetop burners weren’t accidentally switched to an “on” position. An oven that smells like gas when it’s off may have faulty parts or a gas supply in need of attention.
If you suspect a gas leak, leave your house immediately and call 911. Don’t open windows, turn on any light switches or use anything electric that may cause a spark. Always leave it up to a professional to find and fix a gas leak.
Why Does My Gas Oven Smell Like Gas When Turned On?
Your oven may give off a faint gas smell when you switch on the burners or preheat the oven cavity. Both elements combine heat with gas to trigger a flame, but the gas smell should fade quickly. If the smell lingers while you cook or bake, a faulty igniter may be disrupting the oven’s air-to-fuel ratio and causing an odor. You may also notice that the oven isn’t heating properly. Contact a professional if you suspect the igniter may need repairing or replacing.
How Do You Tell If Your Oven Has a Gas Leak?
Gas leaks sometimes give off a handful of telltale signs. You may hear a hissing sound, notice a sulfuric, “rotten egg” smell or even experience headaches or dizziness. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t attempt to find or fix the leak on your own. Instead, leave the house immediately and call 911 from a safe distance from your home.
Tips For Troubleshooting an Oven That Smells Like Gas
Start pinpointing the potential causes of a gas smell by following a few straightforward steps. Once you’ve eliminated the possibility of a gas leak, try these options:
Food that’s spilled over in the oven may cause smoke or odors whenever the oven heats up. Thoroughly clean the inside of your oven to see if this solves the problem.
Lining your oven with aluminum foil can trap food splatters, restrict air flow and interfere with proper combustion, ultimately causing unpleasant odors. If applicable, remove aluminum foil from the bottom of your oven.
Double check that all knobs are turned to the “OFF” position.
Make sure the oven’s vents aren’t blocked by bakeware or oven mats.
Explore Maytag® Ranges and Wall Ovens
Maytag® ranges and wall ovens stand up to the meals you make year after year. Select ranges feature AquaLift® Self-Cleaning Technology that helps you clean your oven in under an hour with odor-free, low-heat cleaning, so food spills don’t hold you back. Just add water, run the cycle, and wipe with a wet sponge when the cycle is finished. Maytag® wall ovens let you cook your food just the way you want it using the Precision Cooking™ system. This function uses sensor heating to help ensure each meal is cooked evenly.
