When you are using a gas oven, it is quite normal to detect an unusual, rotten egg-like odor coming from your oven for a few minutes. However, you should be worried if it lingers for a longer period.
Your oven smells like propane during the preheating cycle because of burnt odorant. An odorant is a chemical additive mixed with propane/natural gas to emit an unpleasant odor that you can easily detect a gas leak. If you smell an unburnt gas like a rotten egg smell, you should turn the oven off.
If the propane smell is intense instead of being faint, it should be treated seriously. This blog explores the possible reasons for the propane smell from your oven and the safety measures you should take to prevent any hazard.
If Your Oven Is Brand-New
Thoroughly Inspect the Leftover Packing Materials
Leftover packing materials are not oven-safe. So, before you start using your spanking new oven, carry out a thorough inspection in the internal compartment to make sure there isn’t anything present inside the oven that may cause a fire hazard.
Do Not Expose the Packing Materials to Excess Heat
The presence of any packing materials may also result in a strong burning smell when exposed to heat. If you detect any strange smell when you turn on your oven, remove all the extraneous materials.
If It Still Emits the Propane Odor
If there isn’t anything present in the oven yet, it emits a strong chemical odor, be rest assured that it is quite normal.
The reason behind this occurrence is the oven’s exposure to heat for the first time. Your oven may be insulated with a material that emits a strong smell at first use, or it may have a protective oil coating that gives off an offensive scent when heated for the first time.
If Your Oven Discharges Propane When You Turn It On
Like it’s mentioned earlier, the smell that releases when your oven is first turned on is quite normal. It may happen due to the release of a small amount of gas before ignition. The smell usually goes away after a few minutes.
If Your Oven Gives Off an Unpleasant Smell When in Use
If the propane smell lingers for an extended period, abort the mission!
- Turning the oven off in such circumstances is of utmost importance.
- If you have any experience in dealing with such a situation, carry out the inspection yourself. Check for loose connections or leaks, and fix them.
- If the situation is not under control, call for professional assistance.
If You Detect the Smell of Propane When Your Oven Is Not in Use
The emission of an unpleasant, rotten egg-like smell when your oven is not in use is unnatural and uncommon.
Be wary of this phenomenon!
If you detect a smell when you aren’t using your oven, there is possibly a leak in the system or some faulty wiring. It should be repaired immediately.
Then you are in such a situation, do not attempt to use any other electrical appliance as it may cause a fire hazard. Call in expert help as soon as possible.
What Should You Do When the Gas Smell Doesn’t Go Away?
Don’t Use Anything That Causes a Spark
- Refrain from lighting any flames too.
- Put out all the open flames and other smokes straight away.
- Do not use lighters.
- Make sure you do not switch on any electrical appliances.
- The flames or a spark from any electrical source may trigger a fire or explosion.
Shut the Power Off
Turning off the main gas supply valve can reduce the leakage to a significant extent. Make sure you do that (if possible, of course). To turn off the valve, turn it in the clockwise direction.
Leave the Area Right Away
If you smell a strong, displeasing odor interminably, gather your family members and evacuate the house immediately. If you have tried the possible ways to fix the situation, yet there is this rotten smell emanating from your oven, it is better to leave everything and get out of the house.
If your outdoors even smells like propane, leave the area with caution. If your neighbors live nearby, warn them. Move away to a safe distance.
Do not attempt to resolve the issue on your own.
Report the Leak
After you have moved to a secure place:
- Call for rescue.
- Whether you do it from your phone or go to a neighbor’s home to do it, call and report the leak.
- If you cannot reach any private rescue team, contact your local fire department or 911.
- Do not go back to your home until qualified service technicians have resolved the issue. Only when they declare it is safe to go back should you go back.
Basic Gas Safety Tips
- Always get your propane appliance checked before you attempt to use it. You should start operating it only after a qualified service technician ensures that it is leak-free.
- Have one carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen area. If possible, install it on each floor of your house.
- Be well-acquainted with the symptoms you may experience in the event of a gas leak.
- If you hear any whistling or hissing sound coming from your gas oven, vacate the house immediately.
- Know how to cautiously turn off the power of the main source of gas.
- Refrain from lining the oven with foil paper or block the oven’s vents.
- Your gas oven should be turned off before sleeping. Remember to do it even before leaving the house.
- Combustible oven cleaners should never be used in a gas oven as it possesses a great risk.
- Call a trained professional to repair or even install a gas oven. Do not do it on your own.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know why your oven smells like propane, it is important that you know: propane fumes may harm you, especially when you are exposed for a long duration.
Propane leaks generally happen when you neglect your tank and the heating system for a long time. To avoid this issue, it is essential to call a qualified professional to carry out regular inspections. Doing this ensures that high safety standards are well-maintained.
If you are wondering if you can leave your oven on overnight, the answer is yes, but it is never recommended, especially if you leave it unattended. Leaving an oven on overnight is dangerous if you’re asleep and no one watches it. No one will be able to prevent any risk or danger from happening.
Finally, if your meal needs to be prepared for over 12 hours, never leave it unsupervised. Every oven, whether electric or gas, may be left open if you watch what you’re cooking. To prevent any risk or danger, turn your ovens off after any dish is ready to serve.
Steve Rajeckas is an HVAC hobbyist with an avid interest in learning innovative ways to keep rooms, buildings, and everything else at the optimal temperature. When he’s not working on new posts for Temperature Master, he can be found reading books or exploring the outdoors.