May Require Emergency Service

Gas Smell from Furnace? Emergency Steps

A gas smell near your furnace or anywhere in your home is a serious safety hazard. Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add mercaptan (a sulfur compound) to make leaks detectable.

Call (650) 397-7060 Schedule Diagnosis

This is a critical issue. If you're experiencing this problem, call immediately for safety.

Signs & Symptoms

!Rotten egg or sulfur smell

!Smell stronger near furnace or gas lines

!Hissing sound near gas lines

!Dead vegetation near gas line path

!Higher than normal gas bills

!Pilot light keeps going out

Possible Causes

-Gas line leak
-Loose connection at furnace
-Cracked heat exchanger
-Faulty gas valve
-Pilot light out (initial gas release normal)
-Damaged flex connector
-Corroded gas pipes

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

Try these steps before calling a professional (unless it's an emergency):

1DO NOT turn on lights or create sparks
2DO NOT use phone inside house
3Evacuate all people and pets
4Leave door open on way out
5Don't start cars in garage
6Call gas company from outside or neighbor's house
7Don't return until cleared

When to Call a Professional

!ALWAYS - gas leaks require professional repair
!After gas company shuts off gas
!Need leak detection and repair
!Furnace or gas line needs inspection
!Gas service needs to be restored safely

Estimated Repair Costs

Diagnostic: $150-$250

Minor Repair: $200-$500

Major Repair: $500-$2,000

Small connection leaks are minor. Gas line replacement or furnace gas valve repair are major.

Prevention Tips

* Schedule annual furnace inspection

* Install gas detectors near furnace

* Know where gas shutoff valve is

* Have gas lines inspected if old

* Don't ignore small gas odors

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I smell gas?

Evacuate immediately without turning on lights, using phones, or creating any sparks. Call 911 or your gas company from outside the home. Don't return until emergency services clear the home.

Is a small gas smell dangerous?

Yes. Even faint gas smells indicate a leak that can accumulate and cause explosion or health hazards. Never ignore any gas smell - have it investigated immediately.

Need Help?

This issue may require emergency service. Call now for immediate assistance.

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* Same-day diagnosis available

* Upfront pricing

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Experiencing Gas Smell from Furnace?

Our expert technicians can diagnose and fix this issue quickly.

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