Is a slight smell when the heater first fires normal?
A brief dust smell on the first cold-season start can happen. A strong gas odor, hissing, or a CO alarm is not normal — treat it as an emergency.
Wall Heater Gas Smell or CO Alarm
A gas smell or carbon monoxide alarm near a wall furnace is a safety issue first. Get out, call emergency services, then we can inspect the heater after it is safe.
If you smell gas or a CO alarm is sounding, leave the building and call 911 or the gas company. Do not operate the heater. After it is safe, text a photo to (916) 450-1268 for a leak / carbon monoxide check at the unit — written estimate before any repair.
What to do first
- Get everyone out. Do not flip switches, light a match, or keep trying the heater.
- Call 911 or the gas company from outside.
- When the building is cleared, text us a photo of the wall heater for a follow-up leak / CO check.
We check fittings and connections at the heater and test for carbon monoxide around the unit. That is not a whole-house gas-line survey or a fire-department response.
What we check on a follow-up visit
- Gas fittings and connections we can reach at the wall heater
- Carbon monoxide around the unit
- Visible vent path, including the roof termination when we have access
- Whether the heater should be repaired, shut down, or replaced
Same follow-up if the smell is at an apartment gas fireplace. Full heater scope is on our wall gas heater service page.
Related services
Service areas
Related guides
Book a leak / CO check
After it is safe · Text a photo · Written estimate before work
Text a photo: (916) 450-1268
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you replace a heater after a leak?
If the unit or vent path is unsafe, we write a replacement or repair estimate after the look. Work starts only after you approve.