Propane Smell From RV Furnace: Is It Normal? (Helpful Guide)
When you have new appliances or other powered devices there is always a ‘new car’ smell that takes a little time to go away. This can happen with propane furnaces as well. Or it may be an indication that something is actually wrong with the furnace.
Yes, it can be a normal smell when your RV or furnace is new. New appliances or other power tools do give off an odor when being broken in. However, it is also normal when you have a problem that needs fixing. Sometimes the fan is shutting off at the wrong time and that needs repairing.
To learn more about this problem, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you can deal with the issue in the right way. Take a few minutes to see how this information will solve your propane odor issue.
Does a Gas Furnace Smell Like Propane?
It is not supposed to smell like gas. While some owners will say that there is a new burn-off odor that is made up of oil and you should run the furnace with your window open.
But before you assume this is the case, check the furnace out first. The furnace is not supposed to give off a propane odor at any time unless something is wrong. If you smell propane, check the different parts connected to your furnace.
If your propane tank is low on fuel that could be the source of the odor so do not think it is going to be a major repair all the time. Take the time to investigate and find the right problem.
Propane Furnace Smells When Running
This is a warning that there may be something wrong with the furnace. There could be a crack in the heater exchange manifold or it simply could be that ‘new car’ smell that is being burnt off. But you cannot be too careful here as it may be something serious, especially if your furnace is not new.
When you smell the propane you should call a qualified mechanic and have them check it out for you. It may not be possible for you to locate all the parts that may cause this odor.
Plus, they have the tools and the parts to fix the problem right away. Also, make sure to have a carbon monoxide detector located in your RV or trailer just in case it is a more serious problem.
Furnace Smells Like Propane When Off
This could be as simple as a loose wire. When a wire comes loose, it may not power the fan as it should and the fan shuts off the moment the burner does. This leaves unburnt propane in the system which can escape into your RV.
Or, the odor could be from small animals who have found a way into your heating system and have left you their little gifts for your hospitality. If it is not those two sources, check your propane tank to see if you need to fill them up again.
Low fuel often emits a propane odor at different times. Keeping those tanks full to prevent the odor will also make sure you have enough fuel on hand for cold nights.
Propane Smell From RV Furnace Exhaust
There are a few reasons for this and two of those reasons blame the weather. Strong winds can push the propane odor back into your RV. Or the cold temperatures traps hot air inside your trailer, etc.
A third source would be a loose exhaust pipe and that just needs tightening up. Another source would be debris that has built up in your furnace exhaust port. If you see black soot inside this part, then there are leaves or other things building up and causing that odor to go into your RV, etc.
Don’t forget about your elevation. The higher you go the more air you will need in the air to fuel mixture.
Why Does My Furnace Smell Like Propane?
One main reason why this takes place is that there may be a lot of unburnt propane in your furnace. Not all the propane that goes into your furnace gets burned up. This means you may smell propane when you shut your furnace off. It will go away shortly.
There may be times when you will have a small hole in the rubber diaphragm of the propane regulator. Or the source may be in the small vent or drain hole as that part can wear out as well.
Fixing these parts is not that expensive and you should be able to DIY it yourself.
Is It Normal To Smell Propane Near a Furnace?
It is if the odor only lasts for a few seconds. But if the odor lingers for a lot longer, then you should call a technician to come in and check out the appliance for you. They will have the right tools and equipment to find the leak if there is one.
Sometimes the odor you smell is not from the furnace as the source may be from your propane tank or some small animals who made a nest inside the duct system. There are a lot of sources that could cause this odor and if the furnace is new, it may just be standard burning off of new material used to coat the furnace.
Some Final Words
Play it safe. When you smell propane for longer than a few seconds, get your furnace checked out. There is no point in subjecting yourself or your loved ones to an odor that may be harmful.
Also, check for low fuel and loose wires first before calling the technician. There are small problems you can fix yourself. If you can’t fix the problem or find it, let the technician do the work for you.
