Gas smell. Do I really need a new heater?

last month

We’ve had an on and off mild gas smell in my office ever since we moved in, but it’s coming from the INTAKE vent (not output). We’ve had the gas company come about 5 different times and they never find anything, we even bought our own detector. They check the heater, everything. We have a really old heater so we’re at the point where we might just pull the trigger on a new one because it’s driving us nuts. To top it off we are expecting a baby this fall and plan to turn that room into a nursery. But I don’t want to spend $10k+ on a new heater if it’s not necessary yet. Any thoughts on what it could be?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

jo mu
last month
10k for a new heater sounds high i payed 3800 a few years ago and im in a big city

I was about to say just let it be till I read the baby part

I personally would want to make sure everything is safe before the baby comes

There are dates on heaters I believe so you can see how old it is and you have time to get multiple quotes
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
last month
"Any thoughts on what it could be?"

Gas companies add trace amounts of chemicals to gas to enable humans to smell leaks. Typically, sulfur-containing compounds called mercaptans are added. Most people describe the smell as "rotten eggs" or "rotten cabbage." The same smell can be produced by decaying matter. If your home is on a crawl space and you have duct work in the crawl space, your system can pull odors from decaying matter in the crawl space into your home. Grab a flashlight and inspect for mold/mildew or anything that might be decaying in the crawl and cause an objectionable odor. And inspect inside the ductwork to the extent you can. A dead mouse in a duct is a terrible thing.
Related Discussions
New kitchen, but just not working.
Q
Comments (448)
fragle0 ... congratulations on the new addition to your family. Have been following your lovely changes. You probably won't have time to work on the decor for a while. Just wanted to suggest that you try pulling the nesting tables forward to be more in line with front of the chairs & placing your floor lamp to the back of them. This will give a bit more light at night for reading in that area.Also switching the plant by the fireplace & the one on the corner by the sofa.
...See More
Large Entryway of a bungalow ideas
Q
Comments (26)
Hi, you have a lovely home! I read through your thread, and I like Dar Eckarts suggestion above the best. I think because of the symmetry of it as an H shaped house is symmetrical, and it would also keep the space looking decorated but still open and uncluttered which is what an entrance should be. Sorry, but I don't care for the bookcase idea in an entrance. I also noticed the masks you have, and think it would be great to decorate the space using them as inspiration. Here is a photo to show you the kind of rug I think would work here.
...See More
Our bland kitchen - help
Q
Comments (20)
Kitchen cabinets will look fantastic painted. The thing to consider when thinking about worktops is the work black granite creates - they show every little watermark, so need a lot of polishing. I discovered this when doing lots of experiments on granite samples! Other thing to bear in mind is granite is porous, so you have to be careful about staining the lighter coloured worktops and granite requires resealing after a few years. Because I'm quite lazy and didn't want any maintenance, plus we are a messy family, I went with Compac Quartz in white mirror, it's practically bomb proof and I haven't managed to stain it yet (3 years on). Comes in tons of colours.
...See More
What are the most important design considerations for a Self-Build?
Q
Comments (11)
Hi Michele, self build is very exciting and we wish you luck for your upcoming project. We have various tips when it comes to our customers designing their home. As some have suggested above understanding how you and your family occupy the space is fundamental in making those early design decisions. We also tell self builders to put 'wants and needs' into 3 columns, must have, nice to have and luxury. This helps define budget and start with the fundamentals before progressing to those items such as cinema rooms or a top end kitchen worktop. There are many helpful tips on our Self Build Academy website also plenty of design and interior inspiration at Potton Self Build Galleries Before you decide that building your home is right for you, ask yourself four questions; Do you have the time and commitment to see your project through to the end. Do you have the skills and knowledge required for the task ahead Do you understand the cost involved and do you have enough money to complete the build Do you have a constitution strong enough to see you through both the highs and lows of building your own home Provided you understand your answers to these questions and can ‘fill the gaps’ when it comes to skills, knowledge, time and funding, then press ahead and enjoy what is probably going to be one of the most rewarding experiences that you will ever have in your lifetime!
...See More
klem1
last month
Oh my gosh the magic 8 ball is back!

If the gas company hasn't found it after 5 attempts chances are slim keyboard jockeys will find it. For what it's worth to you I've been called countless times to find sources of "gas odor" in all electric buildings. Depending on which occupant I asked they described it as smelling like natural gas, carbon monoxide ,something burning, electrical fire,something dead ect ect ect.
Natalie G
Original Author
last month
To clarify… the current heater is about 15 years old.

The smell is rotten eggs and smells exactly like the times I DID call and there WERE confirmed gas leaks (in other parts of the house at different times or our previous house).
PRO
Austin Air Companie
last month
Natalie G,

Gas leaks do happen from time to time, but calling gas company usually will get the gas turned off and directed to HVAC contractor / plumber to investigate in person. (usually if I get a call in which gas company was called the gas was merely shut off the furnace is red tagged)

A 15 year old furnace isn't really considered that old. Most furnaces come with a 20 year heat exchanger warranty / some more recent furnaces may have a life time warranty on the heat exchanger. ( if you call a free estimate service, they will probably say otherwise because they make more money selling you a new furnace )

These things really need to be checked by a licensed contractor(s) in your area, as there could also be an appliance leak of some kind (gas stove, gas dryer, water heater, furnace)

Also realize it's not uncommon to get trace amounts of gas when appliances shut off (especially the furnace) if the blower compartment is not properly sealed it can draw this trace gas into blower compartment then disperse it thru the house.

If the furnace is short cycling, this particular problem is magnified. This comment isn't to suggest this is what is happening as it could be more sinister than that. But taking this sort of thing to a comment board is just argumentative without facts.

I service the Katy, Texas area.

Gas smell. Do I really need a new heater?

Comments (5)

jo mu

Charles Ross Homes

Related Discussions

klem1

Natalie G
Original Author

Austin Air Companie

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Gas smell. Do I really need a new heater?

Comments (5)

jo mu

Charles Ross Homes

Related Discussions

klem1

Natalie GOriginal Author

Austin Air Companie

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Natalie G
Original Author