Act now
Possible gas leak: leave the house now
A hiss at a gas furnace, a gas pipe or another gas appliance can be a gas leak, with or without a rotten egg or skunk-like smell. Leave now and call from outside.
Why this happens
Trane says a hissing sound near your furnace may be a gas leak, and that if you can also smell rotten eggs or a skunk smell you should leave your home and call the gas company. DTE Energy says gas leaks often make a blowing or hissing sound and smell like rotten eggs or a burnt match. DTE also says not to rely on smell alone, because some people can't smell the odor and other scents can mask it. The American Gas Association says utilities add an odorant that smells similar to rotten eggs so a leak is easy to notice.
Do this now
- Leave the house right away and take everyone with you.
- On the way out, don't flip light switches, adjust the thermostat, use appliances, doorbells, garage door openers or flashlights, and don't use any phone inside. Don't smoke or light a match. The American Gas Association says to avoid causing a spark, and DTE Energy's list of things not to use includes doorbells, garage door openers, light switches, landlines and mobile phones.
- Don't start a car. The American Gas Association lists that with the other things that can cause a spark. Walk to a spot well away from the house.
- Once you are well away from the house, call 911 or your gas utility.
- Stay out until first responders or the utility say it is safe to go back in.
When to stop. Don't go back inside to find the leak or to shut anything off. DTE Energy says not to try to locate the leak and not to re-enter until responders say it is safe.
What to tell the HVAC technician
- You heard hissing near the furnace, the indoor unit or the vents, and whether you smelled gas, rotten eggs or a skunk-like odor.
- Where the sound and the smell were strongest.
- That everyone is out of the house and nothing was switched on or off.
Build the full list: what to tell the HVAC technician.
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