is it normal to smell a little natural gas before a gas furnace switches on?

Question

the smell goes away once it's running.

thanks!

Answer 1

No it is not normal. Unless you have your nose right up to the burner. Do you smell it other times. check. If you do, call your electric co. They will send a man out to check for leaks. For free.

Answer 2

Is the wind blowing? or lots of snow?
I did a service call once where the same problem was happening. It turned out to be the crazy lady stuffed an aluminum ball up the flue pipe. The smell was only one of the symptoms. The furnace had limit switches that stopped it from running, so she had no heat. The smell was gas because it wasn't going into the heat exchanger properly before igniting. - It is not normal

Answer 3

you shouldn't be able to smell anything from a properly vented gas furnace. If you are smelling gas, then you are probably inhaling carbon monoxide as well. Get the furnace checked out ASAP. In the mean time, go get a carbon monoxide detector TODAY & put it near your furnace. If that thing goes off, shut off the gas at the valve to the furnace & call in the professionals.

Answer 4

It is NOT normal. Do not use that furnace. Call the Gas Co., preferably from a neighbors phone and report it to them. Don't take any chances with it. Explosions of gas furnaces are not a nice way to die.

Answer 5

Nope sounds like gas is coming on before ignitor comes on. Or is not igniting properly: because of air/fuel ratio being out of adjustment.
You need to get some one to look at it. A Heating and air conditioning Technician needs to take a look at it and service it. Bet it hasn't been serviced in several years.

Answer 6

yes, a bit before it ignites. the odor is put in so a leak could be noticed

Answer 7

Maybe you have a little leak.

Answer 8

no