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Smell Gas Near Your Furnace? Leave First, Then Call
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The four steps (Iowa Utilities Commission)
- Do not generate a spark.
- Leave the area immediately.
- Call 911.
- Call your gas provider.
The Iowa commission says a rotten-egg or skunk odor with no obvious source could be a natural gas leak, and that a smell of gas is an emergency.
What not to do (Connecticut PURA)
- Do not smoke, strike matches or light candles.
- Do not flip light switches on or off, use the doorbell, or use electrical equipment that could spark.
- Do not use a telephone near the leak. Call from a neighbor's home or from outside.
- Do not adjust thermostats or appliance controls.
- Do not go back inside until your gas company says it is safe.
- Never turn the gas back on once it has been shut off for a safety concern.
Good to know
- Natural gas has no odor by itself. Utilities add a chemical that gives it the rotten-egg smell (Connecticut PURA).
- Connecticut PURA says gas companies provide 24-hour emergency service at no charge to stop leaks.
- Connecticut PURA says repairs must follow local rules and be done by a licensed plumber where required, or by the gas company.
- A pilot light that has gone out can cause a small odor near an appliance (Connecticut PURA). Do not test that theory first. Leave and call.
Our advice: if you are not sure whether it is gas, treat it as gas. We found no source that says a faint smell is safe to wait on. Our carbon monoxide page covers the other invisible furnace risk.
Gas company says it's safe?
Gas, burner, ignition and venting problems are for a licensed HVAC technician. Our guide covers which signs mean call now.
When to call an HVAC technicianFind a licensed HVAC pro near youCommon questions
What should I do if I smell gas near my furnace?
The Iowa Utilities Commission says: do not generate a spark, leave the area immediately, call 911, then call your gas provider.
Can I use my phone or a light switch?
Not near the leak. Connecticut PURA says not to flip light switches, use the doorbell or use a telephone near the leak. Call from outside or a neighbor's home.
Does natural gas smell on its own?
No. Connecticut PURA says natural gas has no odor and utilities add a chemical that gives it a rotten-egg smell.