5 Signs Your Gas Appliances Need Maintenance

Gas stoves and ovens undergo a lot of wear and tear from everyday use. Quality appliances are built to last, but frequent exposure to high temperatures means even the most reliable appliances require regular maintenance.

There are some telltale warning signs that suggest when gas appliance repair service or maintenance is required. This article will review what you should watch out for.

Gas Appliances Maintenance: 5 Warning Signs

1. The smell of gas or other unusual odors

The noxious odor of gas is, of course, an obvious sign that something is wrong. A gas leak is a dangerous situation and should be remedied immediately.

The smell of gas could suggest a faulty igniter, broken gas line, or faulty valve. If you smell gas only when you turn the appliance on and notice the stove or oven doesn’t create a flame, then the igniter is probably faulty. If you smell gas when you’re sure the appliance is off, a bad gas line or valve is the likely problem.

Most gas appliances have a shut-off valve at the rear of the unit. Turn the valve to cut the gas from the source. If the odor persists, there’s a more serious problem with the gas line infrastructure in your home. Shut off the gas to your home at the main house-side valve and contact your gas company immediately. Your utility company will inform you of the next steps for gas repair.

Other unusual smells can signal the need for service as well. Acrid odors or the persistent smell of something burning could mean your stove or oven needs to be cleaned, or an internal wire or other part needs to be replaced.

2. Faulty burners or igniters

Unreliable ignition is another clear sign that gas oven or gas stove service is necessary. If you can smell gas but can’t spark a flame on any burner, your igniter as failed. Resist the impulse to light the burner with a match or lighter. This can be dangerous if you don’t understand the scope of the problem, and it’s only putting off the inevitable repairs.

An extinguished pilot light is another possibility, but newer gas ovens and stoves tend to use an electrical means of ignition. Modern appliances, in other words, are unlikely to have pilot lights.

If only one burner fails to ignite, or if you notice an incomplete ring of flame around a burner, then the burner itself needs to be cleaned or replaced.

3. Weird noises

Unusual noises are often a precursor to a more serious problem. Strange ticking, rattling, or buzzing is usually the result of a loose or deteriorating component. If neglected, that part could eventually impair the function of your appliance or come in contact with a heating mechanism, increasing the risk of a fire.

4. Poor temperature control

The heat control on your oven or stove should be relatively predictable. Pay attention to an oven that seems to take longer and longer to preheat, or a stove that you need to crank higher to get the same amount of heat that you were accustomed to generating at a lower setting on the knob. Similarly, have a professional inspect or repair your gas oven if the appliance is getting too hot for the temperature you have set it to. These are all signs of a faulty thermostat, heating mechanism, or other internal component.

5. Red, orange, or yellow flame

Think of the flame on your gas stove as an indicator light. A clean, well-maintained stove should generate a blue flame. A red, orange, or yellow flame could suggest the flame is not burning hot enough. There could also be a buildup of material on the burner or somewhere within the appliance.

Who Can Work on Gas Appliances?

Requirements vary by location, but technicians generally need to be licensed and certified to work on gas appliances. Plumbers, repair specialists, and other tradespeople can receive authorization from regulators.

An improperly serviced gas appliance can pose a significant danger. If your appliance develops a problem, take care to do more than a cursory internet search, such as “gas repairs near me.” You’ll need to do your due diligence and find a licensed professional.

Protect Your Home Appliances With a Home Warranty

You can treat the warning signs outlined above as a gas appliance services checklist. Periodically check for odors, noises, faulty burners, temperature irregularities, and off flame colors. If you notice anything amiss, a home warranty can facilitate the repair of your appliance.

Liberty Home Guard policies cover all mechanical parts of ovens, stoves, cooktops, and ranges. If anything breaks down, all you need to do is submit a service claim. We’ll handle the rest.

Learn more about our plans by calling (866)-440-1399.