Gas smell: leave the house now

Why this happens

The American Gas Association says utilities add mercaptan to natural gas so a leak smells like rotten eggs. DTE Energy adds that a burnt-match odor or a blowing or hissing sound can also be a sign. Carrier lists a rotten-egg smell as an emergency and says to leave the area and contact your gas utility or emergency services.

Do this now

1. Leave the house now, even if you only suspect a leak, and take everyone with you, pets included.
2. On your way out, don't touch light switches, the thermostat, appliances, doorbells or the garage door opener, don't use a flashlight or start a car, and don't use a phone inside. DTE lists appliances, doorbells, garage door openers, light switches and phones as things not to use. The American Gas Association and Columbia Gas say to avoid anything that could cause a spark, including a flashlight. Trane says not to touch any electrical switch or use a phone in the home.
3. Don't smoke, light a match or use any flame. Don't try to relight anything. Columbia Gas says not to open the windows.
4. Once you are well away from the house, call 911 or your gas utility's emergency line. Trane says to call the fire department if you can't reach the gas company.
5. Don't look for the leak, and don't go back in until the utility or first responders say it is safe. DTE says some people can't smell gas, or the smell is masked by candles or air fresheners, so don't rely on your nose alone.

When to stop. Carrier says not to keep operating the furnace after a rotten-egg smell. Don't run the furnace again until the utility has cleared the house and an HVAC technician has checked it.

Start this troubleshooter over

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